COVID-19 in Georgia
Overview
As we continue to monitor developments with the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the GBPI staff are focused on the effects of COVID-19 on Georgians across the state. We will continue to provide updates and recommendations for the best ways our state can mitigate harm and protect Georgians through this public health emergency. Our team is working with partners and communities on the ground to understand what’s happening and translate that need into proactive solutions.
Be sure to follow us on Twitter and Facebook for news and updates on COVID-19 in Georgia. You can also subscribe to our newsletter to receive our analysis and latest research each week. The GBPI staff continue to work remotely during this public health emergency. The best way to reach us is via email, and you can find our staff contact information here.
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Policy Priorities
Recent Press
How Has Georgia Responded?
Gov. Kemp and his administration have already announced several changes to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and support families in need of unemployment or food assistance.
Georgia’s shelter in place orders have now expired for the majority of Georgia businesses. However, and executive order that runs through July 15 states businesses will continue social distancing measures, bans gatherings of more than 50 people unless there is six feet of distance between each person and requires sheltering-in-place for the medically fragile and those living in long-term care facilities. Gov. Kemp has also extended a public health state of emergency until October 10.
The state has:
The Georgia Department of Education has:
The University System of Georgia (USG) and the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) have:
GBPI Recommendations
GBPI continues to evaluate the state’s public health emergency and propose solutions to help working families weather layoffs and lost wages. Below is a list outlining GBPI’s proposals thus far. State leaders should:
Take advantage of Medicaid’s flexibility and the increased federal match rate by:
Use new funding available for health care to:
Further improve access to SNAP by:
Help families access unemployment insurance through:
Resources for Georgians
Health
The Georgia Department of Public Health created a COVID-19 page with updates from the governor, information on how to prevent the spread of the virus and other guidance for individuals during this public health emergency. They also have a daily status report site to track confirmed cases of COVID-19 across the state.
Disconnected Services
The Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency put together a list of all Georgia services that have suspended disconnections. If you don’t see your service listed, the state has advised to contact your utility or service provider directly as some businesses are offering alternate payment arrangements for this situation.
Education
Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) has a comprehensive resource page for COVID-19 that includes the latest state news, school closure information, online learning resources and more. GaDOE is also adding individual school district COVID-19 resource pages as more are created.
Unemployment
The Georgia Department of Labor is providing online access to unemployment services, partial claim access for employers and other reemployment services. You can learn how to file unemployment and other claims here at the DOL’s website.
If you need legal support, Georgia Legal Services Program (GLSP) offers free assistance to Georgians in 154 counties outside of metro Atlanta whose earnings do not exceed 200 percent above the federal poverty line or are 60 years or older. You can check your eligibility here. If you live in a county they do not serve, GLSP can provide an appropriate local number to refer you to.
Atlanta Legal Aid can be reached through their regular email and phone numbers at their five locations in the metro Atlanta area. You can find their contact information here.
Food
Many Georgia families will be able to pick up school meals for their children during state-mandated closures. Georgia Public Broadcasting has compiled a list of school districts and their meal pick-up procedures. You can find that list here.
FoodFinder also provides an easy tool to locate free food resources. You’ll find pantries, ministry services, co-ops and more by searching your zip code.
Resources for Immigrants
The Center for Pan Asian Community Services (CPACS)
has put together in-language resources on COVID-19. Information includes in-language information on how to prevent the spread of the coronavirus and what to do if you believe you are sick. Other resources include information from local governments in metro-Atlanta about changes in the community concerning the coronavirus, including curfews and changes in businesses. You can access all their multilingual resources here.
CPACS also provides low-cost immigration consultations as well as these organizations:
- Asian Americans Advancing Justice Atlanta: You can call (404) 890-5655 or email immigration@advancingjustice-atlanta.org
- Latin American Association: You can call (404) 471-1889 or visit their website
