Coronavirus Quarantine Update – April 20
Community, Fannin County Chamber April 20, 2020
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Fannin Chamber – Coronavirus Quarantine Update – April 14
Community, Fannin County Chamber April 14, 2020
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Opinion: How Should Blue Ridge Proceed?
Opinion March 21, 2020Written By : Logan Fitts
Athens, GA
Atlanta, GA
These are two cities in Georgia that see an influx in people from all over. These are cities that we see a lot of visitors come from. These are the cities that I travel to often. These are also the cities that have went under quarantine since COVID-19 has hit the state.
Since this initial post, Murphy NC has went on full lock-down and curfew in light of discovering that visitors were sick with the virus. Mind you, Murphy is only 20 miles from Blue Ridge.
I want to make a few remarks.
First, I have talked to quite a few city leaders and asked questions:
What can we do? What’s the plan? Can you close the downtown district? Can we limit or begin to dwindle the amount of foot traffic coming into our city and county, as this is a hot destination for Spring Break? I’ve asked many times: “So, what can be done?”
These are the answers thus far:
I’ve had one city leader tell me that they have no control, I’ve had a leader tell me that it is illegal to tell downtown business owners to close their doors, I’ve had one tell me that the Governor has given discretion to each county/city to make decisions up to this point about protocol, and this leader told me that they don’t feel like downtown needs to close at this time, but restaurants should do curbside pickups.
I’ve even had another concerned citizen of Blue Ridge tell me that their answer they’ve received from our very own Speaker Ralston is that at this point, it is up to our leaders in the area to make decisions at the discretion of the charter. Understandable — not verified.***
I ended up feeling even more lost. Who’s telling the truth? Does anyone know what protocol is? This is an unprecedented situation.
Second,
I’ve watched town like a hawk. Groceries stores have been covered up, go figure. Rentals are packed, so we have out of town visitors buying groceries, we have second home owners buying groceries (some being my past clients), we have full time locals buying groceries — all understandable and we all know that going to these places you must practice caution and there are ways to keep your space to protect your health. And I have to note, grocery stores are having to evolve with the situation and look out for clientele. They’re having to close early to sanitize. They’re changing hours. They’re recognizing the situation at hand.
I’ve also watched Downtown Blue Ridge. I’ve driven the streets. I’ve watched hundreds of pedestrians go up and down throughout the week. I find myself getting irritated when I go through, but remind myself that they’re on vacation. They feel anonymous. There’s less of a sense of responsibility when it’s not your home, and I get it to a certain point. But I also know that we have people coming here because it is quiet and removed and it feels safer. I know of friends of mine that are from this area that have traveled to Florida to take advantage of the break to attempt to vacation and use the Coronavirus to their advantage and find great deals on lodging, shopping, dining, etc (they know my stance on their travels). Many of the places they’re at in Florida are closing commercial activity, which leads me to my next point.
At this point, with little to no safeguards on the biggest red flag in the area, Blue Ridge is not a safe area to be in should this virus run rampant. A few things to note: downtown has two public restrooms equipped with hand dryers (recommended not to be used by many articles I’ve read). Downtown’s business owners, as I’ve learned in my time, don’t particularly want shoppers using their facilities. I also know there’s a huge shortage in sanitary equipment in the area and at a certain point, individual stores can’t provide each shopper or diner sanitizer, soap, wipes, etc. (Maybe they have stocks in what I’ve mentioned and can keep up in the cleaning and sanitizing of patrons, but I doubt it). Most stores in the downtown area are not more than 1500 square feet (total rough estimate). Allow enough people in the store at the right moment, one person sneezes and doesn’t know they have the virus, the whole store can be contaminated without even knowing it. Our county and the surrounding counties’ hospitals and medical campuses are not ready for a virus like this. Bottom line.
Third,
I want to say this to all of my fellow business owners, self-employers, service staff, to my friends, family, and clients: I am by no means trying to come off harsh. I am SO sorry that this is unfolding. I would love to support, and will continue to support small businesses throughout the town.
But I say that to say this. I know people will come and go throughout the coming weeks. I know that we can’t stop them, nor do I think we should. BUT, I certainly think that there has to be dialogue. There has to be a plan. There has to be answers to MANY concerned citizens’ questions other than the simple answer “we have a plan.” That’s one of the joys of small town America, right? We all know what’s going on. 😉 AND I ask, I don’t know what anyone else’s stance is, for this to be something done on and off Facebook. Let the elders know. Let the people who don’t use social media know. Keep everyone informed.
Finally,
I want to conclude my persistence on this matter. While many bigger cities and counties are erring on the side of caution but not stringency for retail, for dessert houses, cafes, for gyms, or even offices until there’s a confirmed case in the area, Blue Ridge is different. These bigger cities have a stronger infrastructure. They have bigger hospitals, more staff, more equipment, they’re better prepared. This is not to belittle our hospital workers, nurses, pharmacists, sanitary personnel, etc., but to state what’s been the consensus from my friends and family in those fields and across the globe. These cities might have the safeguards to wait until they dreadfully find out that they have a confirmed case. Unfortunately, I think Blue Ridge has to be more proactive.
In terms of solutions, here are my thoughts.
I know it’s almost impossible to ask any business to close to foot traffic. I know it’s difficult on the owners, the staff, the patrons. I know that leaders don’t want to harm businesses. They don’t want to be the ones to make that call, if they can. Understandable. Who would want to make that call? So maybe not go there at this point. Maybe monitor the area. How many patrons are in each store? Maybe provide sanitizing stations throughout the area (this could’ve been done a long time ago when we first saw the virus hit Georgia). Maybe post signs warning people what already should be instilled in their brains: STAY HOME. Or “Caution: this is a high risk area should a pedestrian have COVID-19.” per CDC, President Trump, the whole 9.
So I resolute to this: city & county leaders, where are we with this? What is your answer to the big problem that seems to be (UNDERSTANDABLY) avoided? Can we count on you to make decisions for the well-being of the majority? We need leaders.
I don’t have all of the answers; I may not have any answers.
But I have a lot of concerns. And I have a lot of love for my hometown and my people.
Stay strong.
**Editor’s Note** This opinion was originally written and shared via Facebook. You can read the original post by clicking here : Logan Fitts Original Post
Mayor Donna Whitener also responded via the City of Blue Ridge Facebook page. You can read the official response by clicking here: City of Blue Ridge Response
UPDATE 3/24/20 : Fannin County Closings and Postponements
Community, News March 13, 2020Blue Ridge, Ga. – (Updated 3/24/20 2:41 p.m.) Following Governor Brian Kemp’s announcement of the first death in Georgia from Covid-19 on Thursday, March 12, 2020, many Fannin County businesses and agencies are opting to close doors or limit hours to the public.
The hopes of Local, State and National agencies is to slow the spread of the Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) by raising public awareness and limiting public contact with those infected.
The following Fannin County businesses, agencies, and events have been cancelled or postponed in an effort to help “flatten the curve” of the Coronavirus outbreak. A list of Community Resources is also provided at the bottom.
GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC SERVICES
- Blue Ridge City Hall – CLOSED, all business can be conducted at drive-thru. Lobby will remain open for advance voting ONLY through March 20.
- Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association (The Art Center) – CANCELLED all youth based programs March 16-31, all BRMAA sponsored artist guild meetings CANCELLED March 16 – 31, all classes and workshops CANCELLED or POSTPONED March 16 – 31, artist reception for Artist in Residence scheduled for April 3 POSTPONED to April 24, 23rd Annual Writer’s Conference scheduled for April 3-4 POSTPONED
- Blue Ridge City Park and Children’s Playground – CLOSED March 18 – until further notice
- City of Blue Ridge – CANCEL or POSTPONE all events inside city limits until further notice
- City of McCaysville City Hall – Building CLOSED to public, all business can be conducted at drive-thru
- City of McCaysville Municipal Court – CANCELLED March 19 date, court date will be rescheduled
- Fannin County Boys and Girls Club – CLOSED March 16 -27
- Fannin County Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center (Blue Ridge and McCaysville) – CLOSED March 20 – until further notice
- Fannin County Courthouse – LIMITED ACCESS beyond guard line. Citizens will call departments from security check point for access. March 19 – until further notice
- Fannin County Library – CLOSED March 17 – 21
- Fannin County Schools – CLOSED March 16 – 31
- Fannin County Recreation Department – CLOSED March 14 – 29
- Georgia Department of Corrections has suspended inmate visitation statewide.
- Georgia Supreme Court has declared a statewide emergency to halt all non-essential court business
- Magistrate Court Hearings – Suspended for 30 days
- Probate Court Hearings – Suspended for 30 days
- Superior Court Hearings – Suspended for 30 days
- Trial Jurors chosen for March 23 – Suspended, Do Not Report
GOVERNMENT MEETINGS
- City of Morganton City Council Meeting (March 17) – CANCELLED
- Fannin County Board of Commissioners (March 24) – CANCELLED
MEDICAL SERVICES
- Chatuge Regional Hopital – LOCKDOWN March 17 – until further notice. All doors will be locked and remain locked EXCEPT for main entry. NO VISITATIONS.
- Fannin Regional Hospital – NO VISITATIONS March 18 – until further notice. All patients will be screened upon entry and asked to wear a mask if they have fever, respiratory, or other flu-like symptoms. Exceptions to visitation guidelines will be made for end-of-life situations or other special patient needs.
- Union General Hospital – LOCKDOWN March 17 – until further notice. All doors will be locked and remain locked EXCEPT for main entry. NO VISITATIONS.
EVENTS
- Blue Ridge After Hours at INOLA – CANCELLED
- Bowls of Hope Fundraiser (March 28) – CANCELLED
- Good Samaritans of Fannin County 5th Sunday Community Brunch – CANCELLED
- Kiwanis Club of Blue Ridge BINGO (March 19) – CANCELLED
- Leadership Fannin Health Care Program (March 19) – POSTPONED
- St. Patrick’s Day Parade (March 14) – CANCELLED
- Taste of Blue Ridge – Humane Society of Blue Ridge (April 18) – CANCELLED
- Trout Fest and the Back the Brookies Bash – POSTPONED
RESTAURANTS
- Angelina’s Deli – TAKE OUT ONLY
- Black Sheep Restaurant – TAKE OUT ONLY
- Blue Jeans Pizza – TAKE OUT ONLY
- Blue Ridge Mountain Barbeque – TAKE OUT ONLY
- Burra Burra on the River – CLOSED
- Cantaberry – TAKE OUT ONLY
- Carroll’s Barbeque – TAKE OUT AND CURB SERVICE ONLY
- Cucina Rustica – TAKE OUT ONLY
- Das Kaffee Haus – CLOSED
- Dairy Queen Grill and Chill – TAKE OUT ONLY
- El Rio Mexican Restaurant – TAKE OUT ONLY
- Habanero’s Fresh Tex Mex – TAKE OUT ONLY
- Hansen’s Grill – TAKE OUT ONLY
- Harvest On Main – CLOSED
- Katz’s New York Deli – TAKE OUT ONLY
- La Pizzeria at Cucina Rustica – TAKE OUT AND OUTSIDE SEATING
- Masseria – Kitchen & Bar – TAKE OUT AND OUTSIDE SEATING
- Mercier Orchards – Downtown Blue Ridge – CLOSED
- Mystic Mountain Pizza – CLOSED
- Ocoee River Cafe – TAKE OUT ONLY
- Okinawa Steak and Sushi – East Ellijay – TAKE OUT ONLY
- Papa’s Pizza ToGo Blue Ridge – CLOSED
- Pat’s Kountry Kitchen – TAKE OUT ONLY
- Rod’s Rockin Rolls – TAKE OUT VIA DRIVE-UP WINDOW
- Rum Cake Lady Cuban Food Cafe – McCaysville Location – CLOSED
- Blue Ridge Rum Cake Lady Cuban Food Cafe – TAKE OUT ONLY
- South of North – CLOSED
- Southern Charm – CLOSED
- Taste of Amish & General Store – TAKE OUT ONLY
- The Blue Coyote – CLOSED
- The Copper Grill – TAKE OUT ONLY
- The Sweet Shoppe of the South – TAKE OUT ONLY
- The Village Restaurant – CLOSED
- Tin Loong & The Dragon Tail Lounge – CLOSED
- Yellowbird Coffee Shop – CLOSED
- Zaxby’s – TAKE OUT ONLY
BUSINESSES
- Aska Lodge Bed & Breakfast – CLOSED March 18 – April 2
- Blue Ridge Cellars – CLOSED March 22 – April 4th
- Blue Ridge Community Theater – CLOSED March 17 – 31, for a full list of cancelled or postponed events please visit the BRCT Facebook page
- Blue Ridge Framing Company – BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
- Blue Ridge Scenic Railway – CLOSED March 16 – 31
- Copperhill Brewery – CLOSED March 18 – March 31, will fill to go orders Mon. – Sat. 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
- Doggie Dips and Doos Grooming – CLOSED March 14 – 30
- The Folk Apothic – CLOSED March 14 until further notice, online store still OPEN
- Grump Old Men Brewing – TAPROOM CLOSED March 17 (@ 5p.m.) – March 31, will remain OPEN for carryout beer and merchandise purchases
- Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino and Hotel – CLOSED March 18 – April 1
- Jumping Mouse Beads – CLOSED March 22 – April 1
- Mailbox Co. – CLOSED, will accept overnight/express packages in bin located outside, pick up for these items will be on weekdays only
- Mercier Orchards (Downtown and Farm) – CLOSED March 16 – until further notice
- Mountain Thyme Bath & Body – CLOSED March 16 – 20, will reassess on March 21
- Qinti – CLOSED March 19 – until further notice
- Tri-State EMC – LOBBY CLOSED March 19 – until further notice, business can be conducted at drive-thru
- Walmart – Effective March 19, store hours limited, OPEN 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. daily, From March 24 – April 28 Walmart will host an hour-long senior shopping event every Tuesday for customers aged 60 and older (6 a.m. – 7 a.m.)
- The Wellness Institute of North Georgia – CANCELLED all events until March 28
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
- The Fannin County School System, along with several area organizations, will be delivering meals to area locations across the county for those students in need. You can visit their website www.fannin.k12.ga.us for updated information.
- El Rio Mexican Restaurant is offering free kids meals (off the kids menu) to all shool age children Mon. – Fri.
- Fannin’s Helping Hands is offering a number of services, including delivery to the elderly members of the community. You can find out how to utilize these resources or sign up to volunteer by visiting their Facebook page or following this link : Fannin’s Helping Hands
- Carroll’s Barbeque is offering a hot meal for school aged children in need (during restaurant hours). Also accepting food donations to be distributed to the community.
- Twisted Tomato offering two slices of cheese or pepperoni pizza to school aged children and the elderly, Mon. – Fri. 12 p.m. – 3 p.m.
- Burra Burra on the River is offering a slider burger and snack size fry to school aged children and the elderly, Mon. – Fri. 12 p.m. – 3 p.m.
- Southern Drug Company offering same day delivery of food and medicine to customers during regular business hours
- Bumblebee’s Cafe is offering free pancakes for children until school is able to resume.
- Blue Ridge Pharmacy will deliver essential over the counter products, as well as prescription medications, to senior citizens. This delivery service is free. You can call 706-632-2244.
- Fannin County Family Connections drive thru for food boxes will be open during regular pantry hours Mon. – Thur. 10a.m. – 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE COVID-19
If you think you may have contracted SARS-CoV-2 or COVID-19 please call your primary healthcare provider first. Your doctor will advise you as to whether you need to come in for testing. Do visit an Emergency Room if you feel that you have life threatening symptoms. It is advised to call hospitals or doctor’s offices ahead of time to let them know that you are on your way. This allows time for staff to prepare for your arrival and minimize the possibility of contact with patients in high risk categories.
If you have a business, event, or resource that needs to be added to the list please email [email protected] .