CORONAVIRUS IN GEORGIA: What’s happening today - March 16, 2020

ATLANTA — Here’s a roundup of what’s happening so far today, March 16: (Click here for the previous day)

Stay with WSBTV.com and Watch Channel 2 Action News for updates throughout the evening

• The city of Decatur is closing all city office buildings to the public beginning Tuesday, March 17.
• Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms signed an executive order requiring restaurants, bars, gyms, movie theaters, clubs, and other public gathering spots to limit their occupancy to no more than 50 people.
• Gov. Brian Kemp issues executive order to close all public schools from March 18 to March 31.

• Fulton County Government Center and satellite offices will close to the public starting Tuesday.
• A CDC employee has tested positive for coronavirus. The individual was not involved in the COVID-19 response, has not been working at the CDC since March 6, and was asymptomatic at that time.
• TSA worker at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport tests positive for coronavirus. Worker was in Terminal F. The screener last worked the AM shift on March 7.
• President Trump recommends no gatherings larger than 10 people and encourages older people to stay home. WATCH LIVE HERE.
• President Trump says these precautionary measures may be needed through July or August.
• President Trump says authorities recommend: People of all ages to work at home or to engage in at-home schooling, asks Americans to avoid discretionary travel, avoid eating at restaurants or public food courts.
• Vice President Mike Pence asked states to make mobile testing sites a priority.
• Stock market closes down nearly 13% at -2,999.10
• Mayor Bottoms sign executive order limiting public gatherings to 50 people.

• The number of coronavirus cases in Georgia climbed to 121 cases Monday. New numbers were released at noon on the Department of Health’s website here.
• Athens-Clarke County officials imposed a voluntary shelter in place policy from 9 p.m. until 5 a.m. on April 7. It also limits gatherings to 10 people or less.
• City of Brookhaven has declared a state of emergency and is limiting restaurants and bars to take out and delivery only, as well as suspending entertainment venues until March 30.
• Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger and election officials held a news conference to discuss the state postponing the presidential primary.
• The Georgia Department of Education suspended all state testing including Milestones until further notice.
• Gov. Brian Kemp recommended nursing facilities and assisted living communities restrict visitors.
• Students and parents will transition to online learning today. Here is the latest list of school closures.
• Schools released information on how students can continue to get meal service through bus deliveries and at specified pick-up locations.
• A Newton County Schools employee tested positive for coronavirus.
• Walmart becomes the latest retailer to change its hours to clean and restock its stores.
• Atlanta-based Chick-Fil-A announced it will close dining room seating. The restaurant joins others across the country, including Starbucks, in only allowing take out orders.

Click here for our full list of cancellations and closures.

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