“The Chamber is closely monitoring the Coronavirus pandemic as it relates to Blue Ridge, McCaysville, Morganton and all of Fannin County. Our top priority is the health and well being of our community, its residents and visitors. This is a situation that changes rapidly from day to day, and there is a lot of uncertainty. We are basing our decisions about Chamber events and functions day by day as they arise, based on the current situation and guided by concern for the vulnerable in our community.

As of the writing of this update, there are no known cases in Fannin County. We do have visitors here for spring break over the next two weeks, with 50%+ of cabins booked over both weekends. There have been some cancellations but also some new bookings by people who want to escape to the mountains.

It is unknown how much time visitors will spend shopping, playing and eating out during their visit here. We have not prepared or issued advice to our visitors at this time. The best advice is to follow guidelines for self-care just as they would if they were at home.

At the current time, our main offices and visitor centers in downtown Blue Ridge and McCaysville are open.

Blue Ridge – Fannin County Updates

Fannin County Schools

The Fannin County Schools will be closed next week and re-evaluate at that time.

UNG and State Colleges

UNG and other state colleges and universities will extend spring break for two weeks.

Blue Ridge Local Events

The Blue Ridge St. Patrick’s Day Parade has been canceled. The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway is continuing to run.

Chamber Upcoming Event Changes

Business After Hours Tuesday, March 17 – INOLA

Business After Hours at INOLA has been canceled and will be rescheduled for a later date.

Leadership Fannin Health Care Program, March 19

Leadership Fannin’s Health Care program, scheduled for Thursday, March 19 at Fannin Regional Hospital, has been postponed. The new date will be announced later.

Links with State and Federal Updates

The Georgia Department of Public Health website has up to date information with details on all COVID-19 cases reported in the state.

Governor Kemp’s website has current information here.

The CDC Website has detailed information on keeping workplaces, schools and commercial establishments safe.

For information about impact on travel, the Georgia Department of Economic Development Tourism Division has current information.

Information for Businesses & Accommodations

Best practices are to protect your employees and customers by maintaining stringent cleaning practices. The CDC offers specific instructions for cleaning and disinfecting on their website at this link.

Accommodations

CDC offers specific guidance here.

Air B&B advice for hosts link is here.

Ensure you clean items including (but not limited to): door handles, telephones, toilets, light switches, remote controls, blowdryers, HVAC controls, faucet handles, and other surfaces frequently.

Restaurants

A link to ServSafe’s Coronavirus information is located here.

Information on Coronavirus is also available on the National Restaurant Assn. website.

Posters & Handouts

The CDC has some great posters and handouts you can download here.”