Message from Chairman Dr. Romona Jackson Jones

Date: March 19, 2020

Today with over 287 cases of Coronavirus identified in various counties in Georgia, I want to assure Douglas County citizens my administration is working intensively with all our partners at the local, state and federal level to execute every potential precautionary measure to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

We are communicating around the clock with our local and state public health officials and epidemiologist to activate unprecedented precautionary measures to mitigate and educate our citizens about COVID-19.

Considering the Coronavirus pandemic, it is important for us take aggressive steps to flatten the curve of exposure, risk and transmission which requires social distant behavior. Older adults and people who have severe underlying chronic medical conditions like heart and lung disease and diabetes seem to be at higher risk of developing serious complications from COVID-19.

Social distancing measures are essential components of the public health response to pandemics such as influenza. The objective of these mitigation measures is to reduce transmission, thereby delaying the epidemic peak, reducing the size of the epidemic peak, and spreading cases over a longer time to relieve pressure on the healthcare system. Evidence based practices of social distancing to include isolating ill persons, contact tracing, quarantining exposed persons, school closures, workplace measures/closures, and avoiding crowding supports the effectiveness of measures obtained largely from observational studies and simulation studies. The efficacy of social distancing appears to be an effective method for flattening the curve of the Coronavirus.

Please remember the following Center of Disease Control Guidelines- wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Hand sanitizer is acceptable with at least 60% base. Refrain from shaking hands and hugging. Cough in your elbow. Maintain at least six feet distance. Blow your nose in tissue and discard used tissue. Stay home if you are sick. Clean surfaces with disinfectant wipes or solution often.

Currently, I have issued an emergency order declaring a local state of emergency for Douglas County to help lessen the spread of COVID-19 and obtain all federal and state assistance and resources available. I have temporarily closed the Courthouse to the general public. All five of the courts, remain open to receive filings. Our parks and recreation facilities are closed as well as our Library buildings but drive through service is available at the libraries if you call in advance. Our Douglas County Senior Services building, and Woodie Fite Senior Center is closed to the public with exception of our wheels on meals, medical transport and homemaker services.

Sincerely,

Dr. Romona Jackson Jones
Chairman, Douglas County Board of Commissioners