Coronavirus: Information for Georgia County Officials

ACCG is closely monitoring the spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019, commonly called Coronavirus – or COVID-19, by staying in touch with our federal and state government partners.  ACCG will share any important information received with county officials by email and also post it here as a quick reference so that you can make informed decisions for your community. 

 

At the national level, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is the best source for information.   At the state level, Governor Kemp has appointed the Georgia Coronavirus Task Force, led by the Georgia Department of Public Health, to direct information distribution and response. 

 

The first two known cases of COVID-19 in Georgia were announced by Governor Brian Kemp in a press conference held on March 2, 2020.

 

Below you will find several links to resources that provide more information about COVID-19.

 

State of Georgia Executive Orders

Executive orders issued by Gov. Brian Kemp along with summaries provided by the ACCG legal department. 

Governor's Press Releases

Click here to access press releases issued by Gov. Kemp. 

 

Information Related to Reopening America

 

Governor Brian Kemp Signs COVID-19 Liability Legislation (SB 359)

 

Governor Brian Kemp signed SB 359, legislation addressing COVID-19 liability. One of the provisions of the bill is a rebuttable presumption for assumption of the risk by the claimant if an entity posts specific signage at their point of entry.  ACCG encourages you to consult with your county attorney regarding the placement of signage in county facilities.  For sample signage with the required language in one-inch Arial font (per the specifications of the legislation), click here. Note that this sample sign must be printed as an 18” x 24” in order to achieve the one-inch requirement as indicated in the legislation.

 

CARES Act, Coronavirus Relief Fund Information

ACCG and GMA have been working with the Governor’s Office since the onset of the pandemic to ensure Georgia’s counties and cities receive the necessary funding to continue the fight against COVID-19.  Because of such collective efforts, counties and cities with populations less than 500,000 that did not receive direct allocation from the U.S. Treasury will receive 45% of the state’s Coronavirus Aid, Relief, Economic and Security (CARES) Act funding. In late June, Governor Brian Kemp issued correspondence regarding the distribution of federal CARES Act funds to those local governments. Visit ACCG's page on the CARES Act and Coronavirus Relief Fund for more information and to access resources.

 

State and Federal Partners in the Fight Against COVID-19

 

Georgia Department of Publich Health

The State of Georgia has a COVID-19 hotline (844) 442-2681. If you believe that you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or have been exposed to the novel coronavirus, please contact your primary care doctor or an urgent care clinic. Please do not show up unannounced at an emergency room or health care facility.

 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

 

Georgia Emergency Management/Homeland Security Agency

 

Georgia Secretary of State

Pursuant to the authority vested in Secretary of State Raffensperger by O.C.G.A. § 21-2-50.1, he postponed the Statewide General Primary/Presidential Preference Primary Election until June 9, 2020.  

 

National Association of Counties 

Additional COVID-19 resources for counties can be found on the National Association of Counties (NACo) website. 

 

ACCG Resources for County Officials

 

Other Key Resources