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Times-Courier
Our Gilmer County Public Safety Coalition, which includes Gilmer County Emergency Management Agency, Gilmer County Fire and Rescue, Gilmer County Sheriff’s Department, City of Ellijay Police Department, City of Ellijay Fire Department, City of East Ellijay Police Department and Gilmer County School Board, conducted a meeting March 13 to address our community’s current concerns over the Coronavirus outbreak.
Some of those concerns called for tough decisions that, in an abundance of caution, resulted in the temporary closing of our schools and the cancelation of some local events.
These are temporary in nature and will be evaluated on a daily or weekly basis as the virus runs its natural course.
While no COVID-19 cases have been confirmed in Gilmer, Fannin, or Pickens County at the time of this writing, it behooves us to remain calm, keep our wits about us and make reasonable purchases at our markets to allow other family members and neighbors to make similar purchases.
The Coalition will meet every two weeks, and more frequently if necessary. In the meantime, please follow your favorite Public Safety Facebook page or the Times Courier for local information. You may also follow the North Georgia Health District website and the CDC website for a broader scope of the virus’ progress.
Helpful information to protect yourselves, your loved ones and your neighbors:
﹣ Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
﹣ If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
﹣ Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
﹣ Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
﹣ Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19, is spreading in your community. This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.
If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19 get medical attention immediately. Emergency warning signs include:
﹣ Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.
﹣ Persistent pain or pressure in the chest.
﹣ New confusion or inability to arouse from sleep.
﹣ Bluish lips or face.