ATLANTA – One week ago two confirmed cases of COVID-19 were announced in Fulton County, and additional cases have since been identified. County leaders have closely monitored the impact of COVID-19 on residents, visitors, and employees.
Fulton County is in daily contact with the Fulton County Board of Health and Georgia Department of Public Health as well as other key agencies.
“Fulton County Government will continue to lead local COVID-19 response with our 15 cities, school systems, and state agencies. We do not have plans to close any facilities at this time, but will monitor conditions and adjust as needed,” said Chairman Robb Pitts. “I am pleased that Fulton County School System will re-open most schools later this week, and that they are collaborating with other jurisdictions.”
Fulton County Government’s response efforts include:
- Updated cleaning protocols, with additional focus on high-touch areas of public facilities.
- Cleaning of election equipment used during early voting. Public restrooms with hand-washing facilities are available at all Early Voting locations, in addition to hand sanitizer. Voters can also request absentee ballots by mail.
- Restriction of official travel by Fulton County departments.
- Administrative leave for employees who are parents or guardians of students in Fulton County Schools or other school systems closed due to COVID-19.
- Administrative leave for employees who have recently returned from personal travel to high-risk countries identified by the CDC, for 14 days after return.
According to the Georgia Department of Public Health, the overall risk of COVID-19 to the general public remains low, although elderly people and individuals with chronic medical conditions may have increased risk for COVID-19.
Residents can reduce their risk of contracting COVID-19 using the same prevention measures used for any respiratory virus, including:
- Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
Fulton County leadership will continue to assess the impact of COVID-19 on our operations and make adjustments as needed.
For more Fulton County news, sign up for the weekly e-newsletter #OneFulton at https://goo.gl/Nb1L84. You can also visit Fulton County’s website at www.fultoncountyga.gov or connect with Fulton County government on Twitter at @FultonInfo or Facebook at @fultoninfo.