Gov. Kemp Issues New Executive Orders, Provides COVID-19 Update

• Executive Order 1: Limiting large gatherings statewide, ordering "shelter in place" for specific populations, and closing bars and nightclubs in Georgia for 14 days
• Executive Order 2: Expanding temporary licensing of certain medical professions to assist the State's response to the spread of COVID-19
• Governor Kemps full COVID-19 update

GMA Creates Model Ordinance & FAQ Reference for Cities

With the Coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis evolving rapidly, GMA has created a Frequently Asked Questions document for our members containing analysis of questions GMA staff have received over the first weeks of this crisis. City officials are strongly recommended to consult with the city attorney before taking any actions related to this crisis. The information contained in this FAQ should not be considered or construed as legal advice.
 
In addition, GMA encourages cities to use this model ordinance to establish a uniform measure aimed at controlling the spread of CoVID-19.

DIRECT DOWNLOAD: Infectious Disease Expert Presents to GMA & ACCG

GMA hosted all mayors, city managers, and county commission chairs and managers for an open conversation with Emory infectious disease expert Dr. Carlos del Rio. Dr. del Rio is a professor of medicine at Emory University School of Medicine and executive associate dean for Emory at Grady Memorial Hospital. He has been identified by Emory as one of the key health care professionals who can speak about many facets of the COVID-19 outbreak.
 
Follow these links to view the PowerPoint and listen to audio from the presentation, which is housed on GMA’s newly expanded COVID-19 resource center. GMA urges you the share this insightful presentation and guidance with your fellow city officials and staff.

Seeking FEMA Assistance to the COVID-19 Pandemic

Consistent with the President’s National Emergency Declaration for COVID-19 pandemic on March 13, 2020, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is urging local officials to take appropriate actions necessary to protect public health and safety pursuant to public health guidance, conditions and capabilities. Under emergency declaration, FEMA is authorized to reimburse local governments for costs associated with “emergency protective measures” in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
Read NLC’s guidance on seeking FEMA assistance. Also, follow these links to access two factsheets on HR6201: Factsheet 1 and Factsheet 2.

Coronavirus Rumor Control

FEMA has published this active page to help the public distinguish between rumors and facts regarding the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Rumors can easily circulate within communities during a crisis, stay informed with FEMA updated myth vs. facts related to the federal COVID-19 response. Access the page.

NLC WEBINAR TOMORROW: Protect & Rebuild Communities in the Wake of COVID-19 

Register now for a webcast with local government leaders to update localities on the status of the federal rescue and stimulus packages being put together in Washington and to provide an overview of the advocacy efforts of NLC and other local groups held tomorrow, Tuesday, March 24, 2 p.m. EST.

Childcare Providers, Critical Personnel & Coronavirus

Mass closures of businesses and organizations due to COVID-19 can affect early childcare providers’ survival as small businesses. Parents who cannot work remotely have an acute need for childcare services. Critical personnel in this time of crisis include healthcare and public health workers; grocery store employees; police, fire and other emergency response workers and right now, they are working even more extended hours. Learn more.

GMA Team Actively Teleworking

GMA is committed to protecting the health and wellbeing of our staff, their families and our members, and have minimized interaction to help prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus while staying open to serve cities. As of this week, most GMA employees are working remotely to ensure our programs continue to operate as smoothly as possible. We are also discouraging visitors from coming to our office. If you need our assistance or would like to share any information with us, please contact us via phone or email.

GMA's Updated Coronavirus Reference Center

As GMA receives pertinent resources surrounding COVID-19, we will update the Coronavirus Resource Center for Municipal Officials.

Additional Resource:

• Georgia Department of Public Health – COVID-19
• CDC’s COVID-19 Resource Database
• GMA Memo: Public Meetings, Employment Issues, Event Permits, and More
• Governor’s Executive Orders
• Governor’s Press Releases
• National League of Cities COVID-19 Toolkit
• White House’s Guidelines for America: 15 Days to Slow the Spread