Author: On Common Ground News

The boil water advisory for the Norris Lake area has been lifted. The public water system serving the area has been restored to normal service. Customers in the affected area should flush the plumbing on their property before resuming normal use of  water. To flush the plumbing, affected residents should fully open sink and shower faucets on each floor of the building for five minutes. On March 31, 2020, a boil water advisory was issued to the Norris Lake area because of a broken water main. Gwinnett County Department of Water Resources appreciates its customers’ patience. Customers can look…

Recorded webinar available Friday, April 3 WASHINGTON, DC–The U.S. Department of Labor today(April 1) announced new action regarding how American workers and employers will benefit from the protections and relief offered by the Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act and Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act, both part of theFamilies First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). The department’s Wage and Hour Division (WHD) posted a temporary ruleissuing regulations pursuant to this new law, effective today, April 1, 2020. FFCRA helps the United States combat the workplace effects of COVID-19 by reimbursing American private employers that have fewer than 500 employees…

Superintendent Terry Oatts details decision  Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS) Superintendent Terry Oatts announced RCPS schools and offices will remain closed through the end of the school year, May 22, following an executive order today (April 1)by Gov. Brian Kemp. Independent Learning Day (ILD) protocols and Be Bright Eat Right Rockdale (BBERR) meal delivery routes will continue through April 3,  pause during Spring Break(April 6-10) and will resume April 13. Oatts detailed the decision in a message for staff, parents, students, and the community: “I am writing to share that Governor Kemp has just announced that he will be issuing…

Gov. Brian Kemp said today said he is preparing a statewide shelter-in-place order for the entire state of Georgia in stepped-up efforts to curb the spread of a coronavirus pandemic.  Kemp said he plans to issue the order on Thursday, making it effective April-13. Kemp said he also plans to sign an order cancelling K-12 schools the rest of the academic year. The governor said the shelter-in-place order would include exceptions for grocery stores, medical supplies and other essential services.  It would likely allow restaurants to serve takeout but continue to ban dine-in service. The governor said law enforcement would…

“This is never easy. It is especially difficult when the loss is one of your own, part of your family. Tonight, we pause and invite you to join us.” —Dr. William Jaquis, President of the American College of Emergency Physicians WASHINGTON, D.C.—An emergency physician at East Orange General Hospital in New Jersey, has died due to symptoms consistent with the COVID-19, the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) said today. The American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) is the national medical society representing emergency medicine. Dr. William Jaquis, president of the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) released the following statement:…

DeKalb Sheriff Melody Maddox may have to re-think her daily walk-about through the housing units of the DeKalb County Jail.  Doctor’s orders. Today, the sheriff found herself back at home and being screened via Tele-Med services after a second DeKalb Jail employee tested positive for COVID-19.  The 45-year old female jail operations supervisor frequently accompanied Sheriff Maddox on her strolls though the massive million-square-foot facility to share words of encouragement with inmates and jail staff, and to assess the agency’s performance at meeting their needs. Sheriff Maddox became a link in the agency’s protocol for reverse investigation of…

Today, Gov. Brian P. Kemp announced a laboratory surge plan to quickly increase the availability of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing for COVID-19 in Georgia. The initiative leverages the collective resources under the University System of Georgia, Georgia Public Health Laboratory, and Emory University. The ramp-up of laboratory testing begins today. Labs will process over 3,000 samples per day. “Adequate testing for COVID-19 has continued to be a top priority for the Coronavirus Task Force as we fight this pandemic,” said Kemp. “With this innovative partnership between state government agencies, our world-class research institutions, and private-sector partners, we will…

Atlanta Gas Light announced today (March 31) that it is hiring approximately 200 permanent workers throughout Georgia. “We recognize how we can play an important role in preserving Georgia’s economy by keeping people working during these challenging times,” said Bryan Batson, president of Atlanta Gas Light. “We are moving forward with plans to bring on 200 new team members as quickly as we can to increase our ability to provide the fast and responsive service our customers have come to expect.” The additional jobs grew out of a recently concluded proceeding at the Georgia Public Service Commission, where the…

As positive COVID-19 cases continue to mount in DeKalb and throughout Georgia, so do the numerous questions about the virus. To provide residents a local alternative to the state’s hotline, the DeKalb County Board of Health has established a COVID-19 call center to provide information related to risks, prevention, symptoms, isolation, community resources and testing. The call center is open from 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and can be reached by calling 404-294-3700, Option 1.

DECATUR—On Thursday, April 2, 5 to 6 p.m., Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) is hosting his second telephone town hall on COVID-19. He’s calling more than 50,000 people in Georgia’s Fourth District to answer their questions and listen to their concerns about the coronavirus. Experts from Emory University, Oakhurst Medical Centers, Piedmont Hospital and DeKalb County Schools District will be on the call with the Congressman to address participants questions and discuss the best way for listeners to protect themselves and their families and help prevent the spread of the disease. The Congressman will also be explaining the CARES Act,…