Carrying on amid COVID-19

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Officials urge preparation over panic as community responds to coronavirus concern

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  • ason Hogan of Jason Hogan Designs says he is trying to help fellow small business owners through the challenges ahead. (Photo courtesy Jason Hogan
    ason Hogan of Jason Hogan Designs says he is trying to help fellow small business owners through the challenges ahead. (Photo courtesy Jason Hogan
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Precaution, not panic, is being advised throughout White County as responses to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic have escalated.

Though there were no known cases of COVID-19 in White County as of noon Wednesday, March 18, schools and other local facilities have closed for extended periods and businesses and governments have altered their operations to follow guidelines intended to prevent the virus’ spread.

“The White County Pandemic Task Force continues to meet and prepare for any local response actions they may become necessary as this situation continues to develop,” said county Public Safety Director David Murphy. “We are meeting to review the new guidelines and recommendations by State Public Health and CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). We are encouraging people to follow the 

precautions of the CDC, with social distancing, handwashing and sanitizing.”

Murphy said, as with any case, residents are encouraged to be prepared for any emergency or disaster that could happen here, citing ready.gov and the public safety office’s number for normal business hours, 706-865-9500, as resources.

“I want to assure the citizens of White County that our emergency management team is meeting regularly regarding the growing pandemic concerns and assure everyone that White County has not only a Pandemic Response Plan but also has maintained a Continuity of Operations Plan to support our community,” said Travis Turner, White County Board of Commissioners chairman. “By having these plans in place for the last several years, it helps us to be better prepared when these situations arise.”

Turner also asked the public not to give into panic while using “common sense measures” related to health and well-being.

“Also, I would like for us all to be vigilant in prayer for not only our White County community but our entire country and to encourage one another as we anticipate successfully overcoming this health obstacle,” he said. “Please know that any decisions we make on behalf of our county will be done so in an abundance of caution and safety.”

Local businesses also have been adjusting to coronavirus advisories, such as individuals being asked to avoid social gatherings of more than 10 people and practicing social distancing to lessen the chance of spreading the virus.

Businesses have had to adjust to a new normal arriving rapidly.

“A great thing about capitalism in a small town is that entrepreneurs can react quickly,” said Beth Truelove, president of the White County Chamber of Commerce. “The speed of response has been exceptional.”

Some locations have altered operating hours or closed their interiors to walk-in traffic. Some restaurants pivoted quickly to promoting curbside pick-up or delivery options to limit contact between people.

Truelove continues to urge people to shop local during this time – even if that means trying online options and orders over the phone.

“It’s a real delicate balance of being careful to protect people and keeping people working to keep our economy viable,” she said. “The restaurants and retailers are being conscious of the situation, making sure people can get the goods and services needed while having the distance needed.”

Jason Hogan says his screen-printing and sign business is among those that are keeping people out of the shop for public health reasons while moving ahead with orders.  The halt to school activity and youth sports in many areas will impact the bottom line at the moment, though he’s keeping future orders in sight.

And he understands other small business owners are in a similar situation. That’s why he began offering free banners to help others promote takeout or pick-up options.

“We know these guys are running on a tight budget, not sure what next week holds for them,” Hogan said. “It helps draw awareness of what they’re doing to keep business going for customers.”

If a free banner from Jason Hogan Designs can help sustain his customers, he says, it could benefit everyone when things return to business as usual.

“We’re all in this together.”

Conditions outside of White County are also of concern for some companies.

Early last week, VIP Travel owner Christina Ernst said COVID-19 was mostly causing minor concerns for clients, and veteran travelers were planning to stick to previously booked plans. That began to change days later as the president announced new policies and more people began taking the matter more seriously.

The calls and messages to her Sautee Nacoochee-based business came almost immediately, followed by waves of cancellations for the next several weeks. She says she’s been able to process the changes as many travel vendors have been easy to work with in getting client refunds or credit for future travel.

“It helped my mindset because it was for the greater good,” Ernst said.

Not that it didn’t come with a price.

“Travel agents have probably lost income for the next couple of months,” she said.

But those same clients will has credits to use and she has activity from customers looking ahead.

“I’m still being optimistic. I’m still quoting travel for the end of the year and into next year.”

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The first reported case in an adjacent county was announced Sunday, March 15, after a Hall County resident tested positive. Two more confirmed Hall County cases were announced Wednesday.

Georgia had 197 confirmed COVID-19 cases, according to the Georgia Department of Public Health’s March 18 daily status report. There have been three reported deaths as of Wednesday, March 18.