CORONAVIRUS IN GEORGIA: What’s happening today - March 17, 2020

Here’s a roundup of what’s happening so far today, March 17: (Click here for the previous day)

• According to numbers just released at noon, there are now 146 confirmed coronavirus cases in Georgia. Click here for the cases by county from the Georgia Department of Public Health.
• The Sandy Springs City Council approved an ordinance declaring a State of Emergency for the city over coronavirus.
• The East Point City Council voted to declare a local state of emergency and enacted an emergency ordinance for the next 30 days in the City of East Point to put the health, safety and welfare of the general public first.
• Target announced it is reducing hours and will be closing at 9 p.m. starting on Wednesday. They will also reserve the first hour of their daily hours for the most vulnerable customers, the elderly and guest with underlying health conditions.
• Kroger announced it is shifting its hours to 8 a.m. - 9 p.m. The grocery store chain is also hiring across all stores.
• The University of Georgia has canceled commencement ceremony set to take place May 8.

• Georgia restaurant chain Zaxby’s is the latest company to announce closure of their dining rooms and going to drive-thru only.
• Stocks closed solidly higher after the government announced more steps to combat virus and its harm to economy; Dow up 5%.
• Anheuser-Busch says one of its workers at its plant in Cartersville has tested positive for COVID-19.
• More cities and national chains are closing restaurant dining areas in metro Atlanta.
• Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport has closed its north and south terminal checkpoints. The airport said all passengers are being directed through the main checkpoint until further notice.
• Gwinnett County declared a state of emergency to help with resources.
• 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.
• Bottoms has created a $7 million emergency fund to provide assistance to those impacted by COVID-19.
• Bottoms has also created an executive order that puts a moratorium on evictions for the next 60 days starting immediately.
• The State of Georgia has created a COVID-19 hotline at 844-442-2681.
• Gov. Brian Kemp issued an executive order to close all public schools from March 18 to March 31.
• Falcons QB Matt Ryan, wife Sarah donate $100,000 to Atlanta community organizations.
• AMC and Regal are temporarily closing movie theaters nationwide amid outbreak starting today.
• Many gyms and health clubs across the country and right here in north Georgia are closing due to the coronavirus.
• Ponce City Market will close at 9 p.m. Tuesday night.
• A local distillery is now making hand sanitizer for first responders.

[RELATED: Special section on the latest on coronavirus in Georgia]

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