Tuesday, June 30, 2020

CDC Adds Symptoms To COVID-19 List

The Georgia Department of Health reported 34,228 new COVID-19 cases statewide for the month of June, a 72.73% increase over the number of cases reported in May.

Testing for the virus increased 79.13% for the month, the number of positive results was 9.29% of the 368,353 tests.

The past 9 days have been over a 1,200 new cases per day with the highest being Sunday when 2,225 were reported.

Since Friday, June 19th, there have been 20,379 new cases reported, nearly 60% of the monthly total in 12 days.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has added three new symptoms of coronavirus to its list.

Congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting and diarrhea are now considered symptoms of COVID-19, according to the nation's top health agency.

The CDC's list was last updated in April to add loss of taste or smell. The agency also included chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache and sore throat. An earlier list of symptoms was limited to fever, coughing and shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.

Tuesday COVID-19 Report

The number of confirmed cases in Georgia is 81,291, the number of deaths is 2,805, Hospitalizations 11,051, ICU admissions 2,323.

The number of new cases reported today is 1,874. The mortality rate is 3.45%.

Upson county reported 7 new cases, Pike 2, Spalding 17, Lamar 3, Butts 9,  Meriwether 6, Coweta 20, Fayette 15.

Gwinnett county has the highest number of cases with 8,082, Fulton county the highest number of deaths with 312.

County
No. Cases
No. Deaths
Upson
355
43
Pike
90
3
Spalding
400
32
Lamar
115
6
Monroe
160
17
Butts
274
33
Meriwether
183
2
Talbot
73
2
Taylor
28
2
Crawford
42
0
Coweta
667
15
Fayette
341
17
Unknown
2,699
2

The Georgia Department of Health releases updated information daily at 3 pm.

For the complete report, click HERE

Governor Extends State of Emergency

On Monday Governor Brian P. Kemp signed two executive orders extending the Public Health State of Emergency and existing COVID-19 safety measures.

"As we continue our fight against COVID-19 in Georgia, it is vital that Georgians continue to heed public health guidance by wearing a mask, washing their hands regularly, and practicing social distancing," said Governor Kemp. "We have made decisions throughout the pandemic to protect the lives - and livelihoods - of all Georgians by relying on data and the advice of public health officials."

"While we continue to see a decreasing case fatality rate, expanded testing, and adequate hospital surge capacity, in recent days, Georgia has seen an increase in new cases reported and current hospitalizations. Given these trends, I am extending previous COVID-19 safety requirements and guidelines that were due to expire on June 30 at 11:59 PM. Dr. Kathleen Toomey and the Department of Public Health, along with our local public health partners, will continue to monitor ongoing cases and related data to ensure that we are taking appropriate measures moving forward. Together, we can win the fight against COVID-19 and emerge stronger."

Executive Order 06.29.20.01 extends the Public Health State of Emergency through 11:59 PM on August 11, 2020. The Public Health State of Emergency allows for enhanced coordination across government and the private sector for supply procurement, comprehensive testing, and healthcare capacity.

Executive Order 06.29.20.02 continues to require social distancing, bans gatherings of more than fifty people unless there is six feet between each person, outlines mandatory criteria for businesses, and requires sheltering in place for those living in long-term care facilities and the medically fragile. The order also outlines that the State Board of Education must provide "rules, regulations, and guidance for the operation of public elementary and secondary schools for local boards of education" in accordance with guidance from Dr. Kathleen Toomey, the Department of Public Health, and the American Academy of Pediatrics. The order runs through 11:59 PM on July 15, 2020.

Read Executive Orders 06.29.20.01 and 06.29.20.02

Monday, June 29, 2020

Monday COVID-19 Report

The number of confirmed cases in Georgia is 79,417, the number of deaths is 2,784, Hospitalizations 10,824, ICU admissions 2,289.

The number of new cases reported today is 2,207. The mortality rate is 3.51%.

Monroe county reported 1 death.

Pike county reported 1 new case, Meriwether 5, Coweta 4.

Gwinnett county has the highest number of cases with 7,755, Fulton county the highest number of deaths with 312.

County
No. Cases
No. Deaths
Upson
348
43
Pike
88
3
Spalding
383
32
Lamar
112
6
Monroe
156
17
Butts
265
33
Meriwether
177
2
Talbot
69
2
Taylor
28
2
Crawford
39
0
Coweta
647
15
Fayette
326
17
Unknown
3,621
2

The Georgia Department of Health releases updated information daily at 3 pm.

For the complete report, click HERE

FREEDOM FEST 2020 FROM THOMASTON MAIN STREET ANNOUNCEMENT

Thomaston Main Street will be hosting our annual Freedom Fest this year with a few changes. 

The event will be held on Saturday, July 4th at Greatest Generation Memorial Park in Thomaston. The event will be from 8 pm-10 pm with Live music from the "BRICK CITY BAND". 

Due to COVID19 this year we will not offer vendors of any kind. You may bring your own chairs and coolers with food and beverages for your family ( no alcohol ). We ask that you practice safe social distancing during the event as much as possible. We wanted to offer this event in celebration of our FREEDOM and offer something positive for our community during these times. So come out and enjoy this event with your family. 

You are also welcome to just park and enjoy the FIREWORKS!!!

RELEASE FROM THOMASTON/UPSON SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT LARRY DERICO


Will the 2020-21 school year begin as scheduled?

At this time, plans are to follow the previously published Thomaston-Upson School System 2020-21 School Year Calendar. This calendar is available on the district website at www.upson.k12.ga.us under the “Parents” tab. Students’ first day of class will be Wednesday, August 5.

What will the 2020-21 school year look like?

The Thomaston-Upson School System is offering parents two options for student learning this fall: 
  • traditional learning option (face-to-face in class instruction) and
  • remote learning option

How does the remote learning option differ from the distance learning my child participated in this past school year during the school closure?

The rigor and academic standards for students choosing the remote learning option will be equivalent to the traditional face-to-face expectations for students. There will be daily requirements and students will receive grades that will count toward their final average. Remote learning will differ by school and by grade level, and each school will give detailed information to parents and students who apply for the remote option. The remote learning application will be available on the T-U district website at www.upson.k12.ga.us beginning on Wednesday, July 1. The application must be completed by July 15.

What increased sanitization methods will be in place for the traditional learning option?

Sanitization efforts will be increased throughout the day and school buildings will be deep cleaned and disinfected every school day. Buses will be cleaned twice per day. Classroom tools & manipulatives will be cleaned and sanitized. All classrooms and school buses will be equipped with hand sanitizer dispensers.

Will my child have his/her temperature checked daily?

All students and staff will have their temperature checked daily. These checks will occur upon boarding a school bus in the morning or upon entering a school building. Touch-free infrared thermometers will be used. A temperature of 100.4 degrees for students and staff will be considered elevated. Individuals with an elevated temperature will not be allowed to stay at school. Please help us by keeping your child home if he or she does not feel well and by ensuring that your child’s emergency contact numbers are up to date.

Will my child be required to wear a mask?

On the 1st day of school, every student will be given 2 face masks. Students will not be required to wear the masks, but they will be encouraged to use these masks at school as a means of keeping themselves and their peers safe and healthy. (Students who register a temperature of 100.4 or above will be required to wear a mask while waiting for a parent/emergency contact to pick them up from school.)

Will my child eat lunch in the cafeteria?

No. Students will eat breakfast and lunch in the classrooms until further notice.

Will my child be allowed to drink from the school water fountain?

No. The water fountains will not be operable for individual student use. On the first day of school, every student will receive a reusable water bottle that can be brought to school each day filled with water only.

Sunday, June 28, 2020

Sunday COVID-19 Report

The number of confirmed cases in Georgia is 77,210, the number of deaths is 2,778, Hospitalizations 10,711, ICU admissions 2,268.

The number of new cases reported today is 2,225. The mortality rate is 3.60%.

Spalding county reported 3 new cases, Lamar 2, Coweta 10.

Gwinnett county has the highest number of cases with 7,685, Fulton county the highest number of deaths with 311.


County
No. Cases
No. Deaths
Upson
348
43
Pike
87
3
Spalding
383
32
Lamar
112
6
Monroe
156
16
Butts
264
33
Meriwether
172
2
Talbot
68
2
Taylor
27
2
Crawford
39
0
Coweta
643
15
Fayette
322
17
Unknown
2,379
2

The Georgia Department of Health releases updated information daily at 3 pm.

For the complete report, click HERE

Saturday, June 27, 2020

Saturday COVID-19 Report

The number of confirmed cases in Georgia is 74,985, the number of deaths is 2,776, Hospitalizations 10,689, ICU admissions 2,261.

The number of new cases reported today is 1,990. The mortality rate is 3.70%.

Upson county reported 5 new cases, Spalding 12, Lamar 3, Coweta 19.

Gwinnett county has the highest number of cases with 7,604, Fulton county the highest number of deaths with 311.

County
No. Cases
No. Deaths
Upson
348
43
Pike
87
3
Spalding
380
32
Lamar
110
6
Monroe
154
16
Butts
263
33
Meriwether
175
2
Talbot
68
2
Taylor
27
2
Crawford
39
0
Coweta
634
15
Fayette
324
17
Unknown
1,593
2

The Georgia Department of Health releases updated information daily at 3 pm.

For the complete report, click HERE

Friday, June 26, 2020

ARMED ROBBERY IN PIKE COUNTY

At 3:06 pm Friday Pike County deputies responded to a report of an armed robbery at a residence on Coggins Street. Upon speaking with the victim it was determine that he had been robbed of several hundred dollars at gunpoint. The robbery was the result of a drug deal that went bad. The perpetrator was alleged to have been delivering marijuana to the victim when the suspect pointed a handgun at the head of the victim and demanded his money. After obtaining the victim's wallet and money he fled the scene in a silver Ford Mustang.

Investigators were able to identify the suspect as Anthony Watts 19 years of age, currently living in Spalding County. Contact was made with the Spalding County Sheriff's Office for assistance in going to a residence in Spalding to try to locate Watts. While at this residence Watts was observed driving the suspect vehicle on Old Atlanta Road. Upon seeing the investigators he fled the area and a vehicle pursuit ensued during which a pit maneuver was performed by a Spalding County Deputy.

The pursuit was successfully brought to an end and Watts was taken into custody. He faces armed robbery, aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime charges in Pike County. He will face additional fleeing and eluding charges in Spalding County. He is currently in the Pike County jail awaiting a bond hearing.

Friday COVID-19 Report

The number of confirmed cases in Georgia is 72,995, the number of deaths is 2,770, Hospitalizations 10,605, ICU admissions 2,244.

The number of new cases reported today is 1,900. The mortality rate is 3.79%.

Spalding county reported 3 new cases, Monroe 10, Meriwether 7, Coweta 15, 
Fayette 8.

Gwinnett county has the highest number of cases with 7,463, Fulton county the highest number of deaths with 311.

County
No. Cases
No. Deaths
Upson
343
43
Pike
87
3
Spalding
368
32
Lamar
107
6
Monroe
152
16
Butts
261
33
Meriwether
174
2
Talbot
67
2
Taylor
27
2
Crawford
39
0
Coweta
615
15
Fayette
322
17
Unknown
1,469
2

The Georgia Department of Health releases updated information daily at 3 pm.

For the complete report, click HERE

Thursday, June 25, 2020

Go Fund Me Set Up For Thomaston Shooting Victim

A Go Fund Me page to assist with funeral expenses has been set up for the family of a Thomaston man killed last Thursday in a double homicide in Jacksonville, Florida. 

Phillip Harley, 37, of Thomaston and Michael Thomas, 33, of McDonough were subcontractors doing work on the AT&T electrical equipment at a Crown Castle tower location on Firestone Road. The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office said that both men were shot multiple times and that a motive has not been determined. 

Crown Castle also maintains a cell tower location in northern Upson county, they are one of the largest companies worldwide in the tower industry.

Phillip is survived by his wife Brook, daughter Aleigha, sons, Avery, Kierce, Kole and Kent.

Click HERE to contribute to the Go Fund Me account.

Thursday COVID-19 Report

The number of confirmed cases in Georgia is 71,095, the number of deaths is 2,745, Hospitalizations 10,457, ICU admissions 2,222.

The number of new cases reported today is 1,714. The mortality rate is 3.86%.

Fayette reported 1 death and 9 new cases.

Upson county reported 2 new cases, Pike 1, Spalding 4, Lamar 5.

Gwinnett county has the highest number of cases with 7,223, Fulton county the highest number of deaths with 309.

County
No. Cases
No. Deaths
Upson
343
43
Pike
87
3
Spalding
365
32
Lamar
107
6
Monroe
142
16
Butts
260
33
Meriwether
167
2
Talbot
66
2
Taylor
27
2
Crawford
39
0
Coweta
600
15
Fayette
314
17
Unknown
1,341
2

The Georgia Department of Health releases updated information daily at 3 pm.

For the complete report, click HERE