In response to the announcement that two cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in Georgia, Atlanta’s Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms made public the city’s ongoing preparations to the health threats posed by coronavirus.
“The full efforts of the City are invested in the urgent and deliberate coordinated response with federal and state partners this health threat demands,” said Mayor Bottoms. “City officials—including those appointed to the Governor’s Coronavirus Task Force—are working in concert to ensure the well-being of the people of Atlanta. Further, information and additional resources have been posted to the City’s website. Atlanta residents should be safe and protect themselves and their loved ones.”
Last month, the mayor’s Pandemic Coordination Team was created to lead the city’s strategic plan to ensure minimal impact to the City of Atlanta in the case of a coronavirus pandemic. The team is led by the city’s chief health officer Dr. Angelica Geter Fugerson, and the city’s director of emergency preparedness and former FBI Special Agent, Felipe den Brok.
In January, efforts were implemented directing the city’s Department of Enterprise Assets Management to work with their janitorial team to conduct continuous sanitizing and cleaning of all entry points and touch points such as handrails and door knobs throughout all city facilities for the health and wellbeing of employees and visitors.
The city has also posted prevention information and additional resources related to coronavirus on its website.
Chief among the city’s guidance to residents and visitors are the following preventative measures:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- If you have recently returned from a country with ongoing COVID-19 infections monitor your health and follow the instructions of public health officials.
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