A Message from the Mayor
Events across our nation have been cancelled or postponed in an effort to diminish the spread of the COVID-19 virus, commonly referred to as the Corona Virus. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that for the next 8 weeks, organizers cancel or postpone in-person events that consist of 50 people or more throughout the US.
The World Health Organization (WHO), The Department of State Health Services (DSHS), the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) have planned for events like this, and have either prevented or reduced their impact in the past. These agencies are staffed with experienced professionals.
The President has declared a national emergency. The Governor has declared a state of disaster in all Texas counties. This does not mean all counties or all people are in eminent danger.
Such declarations trigger the flow of financial resources to provide tools for local governments to put in place protection and prevention measures. Right now ten public health labs are equipped to test for COVID-19 in the State of Texas, with more coming online each day as capacity to test for this virus expands.
While the impact of COVID-19 is still largely unknown, this is not entirely uncharted territory - there have been other corona viruses before this one, such as “MERS” or “SARS”. These viruses spread quickly, were widely publicized, and were addressed through vaccinations and the development of treatments.
Symptoms of COVID-19 are similar to the common flu which can be scary with news outlets offering minute-to minute reporting on this new virus. While staying informed is important, I urge folks to trust but verify information being disseminated through social media and online. Panic and fear only exacerbates what is an already unsettling time. Cooler heads must prevail.
Some of us will contract the virus - that is inevitable. And unfortuately, the moment someone becomes ill, we have a tendency to assume the worst. However, if you haven’t traveled to, from, or through China, Japan, Hong Kong, South Korea, Italy, or Iran, or interacted with anyone who has, you likely have not been exposed to the virus. As of Monday afternoon, Texas has 57 confirmed cases, none of which are in Cass or Bowie Counties. This “new coronavirus” is a serious threat and there are serious people working toward solutions.
The “social distancing” recommendations and the cancelation of school and other events are not done so lightly. These measures are designed to slow down COVID-19 so our health experts can work towards solutions.
If you have a weakened immune system due to chronic disease or an ongoing condition that makes you more susceptible to illness, you should already be taking precautions to limit your potential exposure to all viruses. Good personal hygiene is always a good practice, especially in times like this.
The City of Atlanta has a preliminary pandemic response plan and are following the recommendations of the CDC and the DSHS. We are communicating regularly with our community partners in the healthcare industry, throughout our first responder community, and with our local school districts.
All emergency police and fire operations are continuing as normal. All of our city staff are taking precautions to limit exposure and we may adjust our operating hours at City Hall or at the Library to reduce exposure.
Right now is a critical time when supporting your local and family owned businesses can make a positive impact; we invite you to make your purchases at those establishments where you know the folks and they know and care for you.
If you are looking for a healthcare provider and don’t know where to go, you can always call 211 for information on where to seek assistance. Information regarding this pandemic is changing rapidly. You can find the most up to date information at the following two web sites. Dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus/ or at cdc.gov/coronavirus/