Community Health

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Georgia Department of Public Health:  How to Stop the Spread of COVID-19 in Georgia

LOCAL MONITORING OF COVID-19/CORONAVIRUS:

We care deeply about the safety of our citizens and our employees. Franklin County has been working to improve customer service areas and implement protocols to reduce the spread of contagious illnesses, including COVID-19. 

  • As we prepare to “Revive a Health Georgia” in accordance with the April 23, 2020, Executive Order, we are asking for the public’s help in reducing possible exposure. This includes:
  • Transact business with the county offices via the website, telephone, dropbox, or by appointment
  • Practice “Social Distancing” by ensuring 6 feet distance between persons
  • Limit the number of persons in customer service area/lobbies to the number posted
  • Do not enter any building if you have any symptoms (fever, cough, or shortness of breath) or have been in close contact with a person who is ill
  • Follow all recommendations by the CDC and the Georgia Department of Public Health 

Preventative actions are being employed with public health and safety in mind. We must all share in this responsibility by implementing social distancing and practicing common sense infection control. 

Please see the Georgia Department of Health COVID-19 Dashboard for the latest status (updated at midnight each day):  https://dph.georgia.gov/georgia-department-public-health-covid-19-daily-...

ANNOUNCEMENTS/PRESS RELEASE:

Second Amendment Standing Order for Court Proceedings

JULY 15, 2020 EXECUTIVE ORDER BY GOVERNOR KEMP

JUNE 29, 2020 EXECUTIVE ORDER RENEWING THE PUBLIC HEALTH STATE OF EMERGENCY

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ANNOUNCEMENT ABOUT REOPENING OF COUNTY OFFICES

APRIL 23, 2020 EXECUTIVE ORDER:  REVIVING A HEALTHY GEORGIA

APRIL 20, 2020 EXECUTIVE ORDER BY GOVERNOR KEMP

UPDATED FRANKLIN COUNTY SERVICE CLOSURES UPDATE:  APRIL 14, 2020

EXECUTIVE ORDER TO ENSURE A SAFE & HEALTHY GEORGIA

STATEWIDE SHELTER IN PLACE HANDOUT

JOINT PRESS RELEASE – EXECUTIVE ORDER:  FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSION AND MAYORS

JOINT PRESS RELEASE – EXECUTIVE ORDER:  “SHELTER IN PLACE”

FRANKLIN COUNTY SENIOR CENTER AND RECREATION SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

EMPLOYEE MEMO

GEMA PRESENTATION

UPDATED FRANKLIN COUNTY SERVICE CLOSURES POSTER:  MARCH 17, 2020

UPDATED FRANKLIN COUNTY SERVICE CLOSURES UPDATE:  MARCH 17, 2020

PREVENTION:

Practicing personal health and hygiene actions are key in preventing the spread of respiratory viruses. Franklin County recommends following the Center for Disease Control guidelines:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, then discard the tissue.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick. If you are sick, stay home and practice “social distancing.”
  • Get a flu shot! A flu shot won’t protect against COVID-19, but if you do get the flu, your symptoms will be less severe, easing the burden on health care facilities.

Georgia Department of Health encourages us to stay calm and be prepared. Prevention is the best course of action. Additional information can be found at https://dph.georgia.gov/ and https://www.cdc.gov

INFORMATION FOR BUSINESSES:

COVID-19 UPDATES & RESOURCES
FRANKLIN COUNTY IBA

SCHOOLS:

FRANKLIN COUNTY BOC OFFICE: OPEN

During this unprecedented time, organizations, businesses, and communities are continuously adjusting to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Preventative actions are being employed with public health and safety in mind. We have been charged with doing our part to “flatten the curve”. We must all share in this responsibility by implementing social distancing and practicing common sense infection control.  Effective March 17, 2020, the Franklin County Board of Commissioners Office closed its building to the public as a precautionary measure to help prevent/slow the spread of COVID-19. The office closure has been extended through April 30, 2020 in harmony with Governor Kemp’s Executive Order, extended Executive Order, and our Community Initiative to implement “social distancing” to the extent possible.

Effective today, March 17, 2020, the Franklin County Board of Commissioners Office will be closing its building to the public as a precautionary measure to help prevent/slow the spread of COVID-19. This will remain in effect through April 30, 2020.  The COVID-19 situation is fluid and all closures will be reviewed/modified as information and recommendations are updated.

The Board of Commissioners office will continue to operate with modified services to minimize in-person contacts. We are dedicated to providing essential services to our citizens and supporting our public safety personnel during this time. We will still have staff available to answer calls during our normal hours from 8:00 am – 4:30 pm at 706-384-2483. Together, we will determine the best approach for service delivery. If in-person contact is necessary, we will schedule a time for you to come to the office so that exposure to staff and other citizens is limited.

PERMITTING & ZONING:

  • Building Permit and all Zoning applications can be found online at www.franklincountyga.gov/planning-and-zoning/
  • For any questions, please call 706-384-2483 for Scott or Rocky
  • Setback and Manufactured Home Inspections will continue at this time

OCCUPATIONAL TAX (BUSINESS LICENSE):

  • Occupational Tax applications may be found at www.franklincountyga.gov/board-of-commissioners/
  • Applications and/or payments may be mailed or you may deposit into the 24-hour drop box at 141 Athens Street, Carnesville (please do not deposit cash). Approved business licenses will be mailed.
  • Pleases call 706-384-2483 for any questions

FRANKLIN COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT:   

IMPORTANT NOTICE:  The Franklin County Health Department will only be providing essential services at this time.  Please call (706) 384-5575 if you have questions.

World Health Organization Information on COVID-19 – Advice for the Public

FRANKLIN COUNTY PUBLIC WORKS:  WATER, ROAD, SOLID WASTE:

  • Water bills may be paid online at www.franklincountyga.gov
  • 24-hour drop box is available at 141 Athens Street, Carnesville (please do not deposit cash)
  • If you are not sure of the amount owed, please call 706-384-3318
  • Water forms and applications are located at www.franklincountyga.gov/water-department/
  • For inquiries or request for service for road and solid waste, please call 706-384-2483

FRANKLIN COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT:  OPEN

Please call (706) 384-2514 for further instructions or questions. 

FRANKLIN COUNTY PROBATE AND MAGISTRATE COURTS:  OPEN

FRANKLIN COUNTY PROBATE COURT:  JUDICIAL EMERGENCY EXTENDED UNTIL MAY 13, 2020

Please be advised that there will be temporary changes on our delivery of services as we continue to keep abreast of CDC recommendations regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.  On March 14, 2020, the Supreme Court of Georgia Declared a Statewide Judicial Emergency, affecting all courts in the State as it relates to all judicial proceedings.  Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 38-3-62 this order suspends, tolls, extends and otherwise grants relief from all deadlines.  This order shall terminate on May 13, 2020, at 11:59 p.m., unless otherwise extended.

Many of our services continue to be available online and by mail.  If you have any questions or an emergency matter, please call us at 706-384-2403.  Emergency matters include, but not limited to:

  • Petition for Emergency Guardianship of an Adult
  • Other legitimate emergency petitions or motions
  • Order to Apprehend
  •  An Urgent need for a Vital Record.
  • Marriage License Application (completed on-line and appointment made and only if the marriage is to take place before April 13, 2020) (consider delaying this process)

We appreciate your patience as we continue to explore ways to provide service utilizing technology so as to limit person-to-person contact so as to aid in the fight against further spread of the virus.

FRANKLIN COUNTY RECREATION DEPARTMENT:  OPEN

FRANKLIN COUNTY SENIOR CENTER:

  • The building is closed to public/congregate meals and activities until further notice.
  • Home-delivered meal routes (Meals on Wheels) will continue for as long as staffing and volunteer capacity allows

FRANKLIN COUNTY TAX ASSESSORS AND COMMISSIONERS OFFICES

  • The Tax Assessors’ office is open to the public. In response to COVID 19, we are observing social distancing in our lobby with only 2 individuals in the area at the same time.
  • Should you have any concerns about someone on your property or, if you have any questions, you can contact our office at 706-384-4896.

FRANKLIN COUNTY ELECTIONS & VOTER REGISTRATION OFFICE:

The Franklin County Elections & Registration office is open to the public.    In response to COVID 19, we are observing social distancing in our lobby with only 2 individuals in the area at the same time.  Please call our office at (706) 384-4390 if you need assistance or have questions.

Many of our services are available online and by mail.  If you have questions or need assistance, please call our office at (706) 384-4390.

  • If you need to check to see if you are registered to vote, you may contact the Elections Office during normal business hours, Mon-Fri 8 am until 4:30 pm at (706) 384-4390. Or you may go online to:  https://www.mvp.sos.ga.gov/MVP/mvp.do
  • If you need to register to vote, please contact our office by phone and we will mail out the necessary paperwork or you may go online to https://registertovote.sos.ga.gov/GAOLVR/welcome.do#no-back-button
  • You can request an absentee ballot by mail for any reason. You may access the application at https://sos.ga.gov/admin/files/Absentee_Ballot_Application_2018.pdf Please indicate the date of the election at the top left of the application along with making a party ballot selection which is located below the application title. These applications may be submitted by scanning and emailing to:  glk@franklincountyga.gov , faxing to (706) 384-3506, or by mail to:  P.O. Box 313, Carnesville, GA 30521.  Be sure to sign the application.  Digital signatures cannot be accepted.  If you have further questions, please give us a call at (706) 384-4390.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.  We are working to provide services utilizing technology so as to limit person to person contact so as to aid in the fight against further spread of the virus.  For more information visit: https://www.franklincountyga.gov/elections-registrations/

UGA EXTENSION – FRANKLIN COUNTY

Please be advised that the Extension Office is closed to the public.   The County Extension Coordinator asks that citizens call first.  Site visits are being done while maintaining social distancing.  4-H Programming is taking place via Zoom and Distance Learning.  Please call our office at (706) 384-2843 if you need assistance or have questions. 

TRAVEL ADVISORIES

To learn more about travel advisories, please visit the website for US Department of State- Bureau of Consular Affairs 

FACT SHEETS AND RESOURCES

CDC: COVID-19 What You Need To Know (English, Spanish, Chinese)

CDC: What To Do If You Are Sick (English, Spanish, Chinese)

CDC: Stop the Spread of Germs Printable Poster (English, Spanish, Chinese)

WHEN TO CALL 911

FRANKLIN COUNTY ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH

COVID-19 Guidance – Restaurants & Food Service: Please see the attached UPDATED guidance for restaurants received from the State.  Please read this document in full as it outlines procedures for Employee Health and Closure of Dining Rooms.  Operations are to be shifted to take-out/drive thru/delivery.  The number of customers allowed inside the establishment must be limited to no more than 10 at a time if they come to pick up an order.  (See “Protect Your Customers” section of the document).  Also, there must be clearly marked waiting areas that allow customers to remain at least 6 feet apart while picking up their food.Please understand that this is a directive from the Health Authority per page 2 of the document to be in effect until further notice. We will update you as the situation progresses and additional guidance is received. For more information, you may refer to the Georgia Department of Public Health webpage at https://dph.georgia.gov/    If you have any questions, feel free to call the Franklin County Environmental Health Office at 706-384-5575 Ext. 4.  Thank you for your continued diligence and cooperation at this critical time.

WATER TESTING

The Franklin County Health Department and the Franklin County Extension Office performs water quality testing. The available tests vary by agency. Please contact these offices for more information about the type of tests available and the related pricing.

For private well owners concerned with the potential for creosote in groundwater, the Monitoring Program recommended that the following major chemicals in creosote be included in well testing:

Phenol

Creosols

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)