Monkeypox
UPDATED: Wednesday, August 31, 2022 • 2PM EST
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Monkeypox is a virus in the same family as Small Pox — but rarely as fatal. This latest outbreak of Monkeypox has been primarily spread through sexual contact. However, Monkeypox can also be transmitted by sharing clothing, bedding, towels and eating utensils with infected individuals. Those at greatest risk of contracting Monekypox can help protect themselves by getting a Monkeypox Vaccine.
Monkeypox Surveillance - 2022 Case Tracker (CDC)
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COVID-19 CORONAVIRUS
UPDATED: Wednesday, August 31, 2022 • 2PM EST
The COVID-19 virus, commonly referred to as Coronavirus, has been declared an international health pandemic by the World Health Organization. Please use this site as a resource for information & updates on the virus and tools for you & your family.
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Georgia has created a Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) to assist those suffering from defaults, foreclosures, loss of utilities or home energy services, and displacement of homeowners experiencing financial hardship since the COVID pandemic began January 21, 2020. Funds from the HAF may be used for assistance with mortgage payments, homeowner’s insurance, Homeowner's Association (HOA) payments, utilities and other specified purposes. Rental Assistance Resources
Though the federal government has given billions to state and local governments for rental assistance, very little of the money has made it into the hands of those who need it most. Out the $556 million given to Georgia for rental assistance, only $9 million has actually made its way to renters facing eviction. Millions of dollars in rental assistance are still available. Visit the links below to apply.
Councilman khalid has called on the City of South Fulton to use the $11 million of American Rescue Plan money it is receiving to help renters AND those behind on their mortgage.
Teaching at Home When Children Are Sick
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Khan Academy, BrainPOP, BrainWise and other companies that usually charge for their tutoring & learning programs are now offering FREE programs during the COVID-19 crisis.
More African Americans Homeschooling
Best Practices for Teaching African American Boys
FULTON COUNTY SCHOOLS
Fulton County Schools teaches are working during weekdays, teaching online classes and answering questions for parents & students. Visit the link below for information. |
South Fulton Parks Educational Materials
South Fulton's Parks Recreation & Cultural Affairs department will send regular emails with arts & crafts educational and recreational activities for families to try at home. To subscribe, create an account our Civic Rec site at the link below.
Access over 7,000 digital books from libraries across Georgia through the Georgia Pines Library system with your library card. Apply online and find more educational resources for Homeschooling at the links below.
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What is Coronavirus?
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COVID-19 is one of several "Coronaviruses." Watch the video below to understand more. Though symptoms may not present for up to two weeks, everyone should monitor themselves and their loved ones for symptoms.
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View the chart above to see common symptoms and their frequency and contact doctors at the numbers below if you believe you or someone you know is infected.
Not everyone who contracts Coronavirus will develop a fever. Digestive problems like loss of appetite, vomiting or diarrhea are less common but often are the first signs of a viral infection. Some have reported a loss of the sense of smell (anosmia) as an early symptom.
Not everyone who contracts Coronavirus will develop a fever. Digestive problems like loss of appetite, vomiting or diarrhea are less common but often are the first signs of a viral infection. Some have reported a loss of the sense of smell (anosmia) as an early symptom.
Tips to Avoid Contracting COVID-19
• PRACTICE SOCIAL DISTANCING
COVID-19 Coronavirus is spread through coughing, sneezing or close contact with other people. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), "Social Distancing" is the practice of purposefully reducing close contact between yourself and others. This means avoiding gatherings of 10 or more people but also maintaining a distance of 6 feet or more from other people when possible; including greeting people with a nod or a wave as opposed to shaking hands or giving someone a pound/dap.
• WASH YOUR HANDS FREQUENTLY WITH SOAP & WATER
According CDC, soap & water are more effective at killing germs than hand sanitizer. Hand sanitizer can be used in addition to soap & water or when soap & water are not available.
• AVOID TOUCHING YOUR EYES, NOSE OR MOUTH WITH UNWASHED HANDS
COVID-19 Coronavirus is spread through coughing, sneezing or close contact with other people. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), "Social Distancing" is the practice of purposefully reducing close contact between yourself and others. This means avoiding gatherings of 10 or more people but also maintaining a distance of 6 feet or more from other people when possible; including greeting people with a nod or a wave as opposed to shaking hands or giving someone a pound/dap.
• WASH YOUR HANDS FREQUENTLY WITH SOAP & WATER
According CDC, soap & water are more effective at killing germs than hand sanitizer. Hand sanitizer can be used in addition to soap & water or when soap & water are not available.
• AVOID TOUCHING YOUR EYES, NOSE OR MOUTH WITH UNWASHED HANDS
Advise from Dr. Mom
Click to watch video advice from Atlanta area Pediatrician Dr. Fiona Blair.
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Mother and Atlanta-area Pediatrician has been offering Cornavirus updates & survival tips to followers of her Instagram.
"We have known about Coronaviruses for years. I test for them regularly in my office." she explains. |
According to Blair, COVID-19 is likely to be less severe in children and those that take care of children (parents, teachers, pediatricians) because they have been exposed to similar viruses over the years.
However, this can also make children "vectors of infection" — those most likely to spread the virus. Dr. Fiona also warns those with seasonal allergies to begin taking their medications now — even if you ha have not started experiencing symptoms — because the COVID-19 Coronavirus can mimic or hide behind allergy or asthma symptoms.
However, this can also make children "vectors of infection" — those most likely to spread the virus. Dr. Fiona also warns those with seasonal allergies to begin taking their medications now — even if you ha have not started experiencing symptoms — because the COVID-19 Coronavirus can mimic or hide behind allergy or asthma symptoms.
HELPFUL NUMBERS
Click here to View Updates on COVID-19 Cases in Georgia by County (GA DHR)
ALL EMERGENCIES
911
Georgia Health Department
Coronavirus Hotline:
(844) 442-2681
Website
Georgia Poison Control Hotline
(if you suspect someone has swallowed or come in contact with toxic substance)
(800) 222-1222
Website
911
Georgia Health Department
Coronavirus Hotline:
(844) 442-2681
Website
Georgia Poison Control Hotline
(if you suspect someone has swallowed or come in contact with toxic substance)
(800) 222-1222
Website
Police
Keith Meadow, Chief
Email Chief Meadows
Emergencies: 911
Non Emergencies: (470) 809-7300
Fire/EMT
Chief Chad Jones
Email Chief Jones
(470) 809-7523
City Manager
Tammi Saddler-Jones
Email City Manager
Jamila Criss, Executive Assistant
(404) 809-7737
More numbers & information can be found on our CONTACT page.
Keith Meadow, Chief
Email Chief Meadows
Emergencies: 911
Non Emergencies: (470) 809-7300
Fire/EMT
Chief Chad Jones
Email Chief Jones
(470) 809-7523
City Manager
Tammi Saddler-Jones
Email City Manager
Jamila Criss, Executive Assistant
(404) 809-7737
More numbers & information can be found on our CONTACT page.
MORE ON CORONAVIRUS
Coronavirus is not a single virus but a family of viruses, many of which seem to originate somewhere in mainland China. The Coronavirus COVID-19 is 3-5 times more aggressive than a normal flu virus, attacking the respiratory system of those infected.
The virus can spread rapidly because those infected may not display any symptoms for 2 weeks. The virus also seems able to live on hard surfaces for several days. This is why the number of infections & deaths related to COVID-19 increases and decreases at such a rapid rate. When those who are possibly infected are not quarantined, the virus spreads undetected. Masses of people can be infected before anyone begins showing signs of infection.
Countries that have been most effective in stopping the spread of COVID 19 have restricted the movement of individuals. China ordered entire populations to shelter-in-place/remain in their homes early in their outbreak until significant numbers of people could be tested. Democratic Socialist countries like South Korea with National Healthcare systems (like the Medicare For All program promoted by Presidential candidate Bernie Sanders) were able to more quickly create and deploy testing for COVID-19, and more efficiently coordinate treatment of those infected.
The virus can spread rapidly because those infected may not display any symptoms for 2 weeks. The virus also seems able to live on hard surfaces for several days. This is why the number of infections & deaths related to COVID-19 increases and decreases at such a rapid rate. When those who are possibly infected are not quarantined, the virus spreads undetected. Masses of people can be infected before anyone begins showing signs of infection.
Countries that have been most effective in stopping the spread of COVID 19 have restricted the movement of individuals. China ordered entire populations to shelter-in-place/remain in their homes early in their outbreak until significant numbers of people could be tested. Democratic Socialist countries like South Korea with National Healthcare systems (like the Medicare For All program promoted by Presidential candidate Bernie Sanders) were able to more quickly create and deploy testing for COVID-19, and more efficiently coordinate treatment of those infected.
Countries with nationalized healthcare systems have been able to more quickly mobilize testing & responses to COVID-19 outbreaks.
It is for these reasons that City of South Fulton officials declared a State of Emergency Tuesday, March 17, 2020. The goal of the evening curfew, just like the closing of schools, is to limit unnecessary movement of people to slow the spread of the virus. "There is a shortage of tests and medical supplies to respond to this virus nationwide, and even more so here in the City of South Fulton, where we do not have a single hospital." explains Councilman khalid. "We are doing everything we can to 'flatten the curve' of infections before they begin."
Tracking New Infections (Flattening the Curve)
The Coronavirus Bell Curve shows how taking precautions early can decrease the impact of the COVID-19 Coronavirus. Click picture to learn more.
As states are beginning to re-open, new cases of Coronavirus infections are rising in some states. Click the link below to track the infection curve in Georgia and other states.
Encouraging News, But Stay Vigilant Scientists Say
A study of 2,173 patients with COVID-19 in three hospitals in the Chinese cities of Shenzhen, and Wuhan, where the outbreak is thought to have started late last year, have shown those with Type O blood may be less susceptible to COVID-19 while those with Type A blood may be more susceptible. These are preliminary findings that have not yet been peer-reviewed and double-confirmed by scientists elsewhere.
Type O, the world's oldest blood type, is most commonly found in people of African descent. This has led to the urban myth that Black people cannot contract Coronavirus. Gao Yingdai, a researcher at the State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology in Tianjin, says the the study "may be helpful to medical professionals, but ordinary citizens should not take the statistics too seriously. If you are type A, there is no need to panic. If you are type O, it does not mean you are absolutely safe, either."
Type O, the world's oldest blood type, is most commonly found in people of African descent. This has led to the urban myth that Black people cannot contract Coronavirus. Gao Yingdai, a researcher at the State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology in Tianjin, says the the study "may be helpful to medical professionals, but ordinary citizens should not take the statistics too seriously. If you are type A, there is no need to panic. If you are type O, it does not mean you are absolutely safe, either."
In addition to frequent washing your hands and bathing with soap & water, some of the recommendations to prevent the spread of COVID-19 a reminiscent of those for infectious diseases such as HIV. Because of COVID-19's 2-week incubation period where those infected show no symptoms, you cannot tell if someone is sick simply by looking at them. Everyone should assume that anyone could be carrying the virus, and even those who test negative must remain vigilant and continue hand washing and social distancing.
Taking these steps will stop the spread of the virus. The COVID-19 epidemic began in China in December 2019. On March 19, 2020 China stopped reporting new cases.
Taking these steps will stop the spread of the virus. The COVID-19 epidemic began in China in December 2019. On March 19, 2020 China stopped reporting new cases.
Supreme Court Ends Eviction Moratorium
Working Families Party Congresswoman Cori Bush slept on the Capitol Steps all weekend protesting for a continuation of the Eviction Moratorium.
Friday, August 27 — In 2020, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control ordered an unprecedented national moratorium on evictions, then extended it through October 31, 2021. But this Thursday the Supreme Court blocked President Biden's extension of the eviction moratorium. "If a federally imposed eviction moratorium is to continue, Congress must specifically authorize it," the court said.
Working Families Party Congresswoman Cori Bush (pictured above) has lead the fight to stop evictions, even sleeping on the steps of Congress for several days to dramatize the issue. Use the link below to write South Fulton Congressman David Scott to ask him to extend the moratorium.
CONGRESSMAN DAVID SCOTT (GA-13)
(202) 225-2939
(202) 225-2939
Coronavirus Financial & Other Support Resources
CORONAVIRUS FINANCIAL ASSISTANCERent & Utilities Assistance
START GROWING YOUR OWN FOOD FOR $50South Fulton Farmer Willie Miller of Miller City Farms is explains how, in the event of an extended lockdown, you can grow your food in the backyard.
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Governor Kemp Orders Georgia to Re-Open
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Click to read/print this 50-page Online Guide
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