Stephen Hasner | News | June 3, 2020
Atlanta, like other major cities across the nation, is slowly reopening after coronavirus. Cities and states have widely different paths for reopening. Atlanta has a five-phase reopening plan.
Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms announced on May 24, 2020, that Atlanta had met the metrics to move from Phase I to Phase II. Phase II is the “Easing” Phase.
Recommendations for Phase II for Reopening Atlanta
According to information from the Mayor’s office, the City has proposed the following guidelines for Phase II of the reopening plan:
Individuals
Individuals are advised to continue to stay at home except for work and essential trips. Whenever in public, people should wear face coverings and continue social distancing.
Private gatherings of no more than 10 people are permitted with social distancing. Everyone is encouraged to wash their hands frequently.
Businesses and Non-Profit Organizations
Businesses should continue to practice teleworking whenever possible. Frequent cleaning of high touch areas and public areas continues to be a high priority. Restaurants and retail establishments should continue curbside pickups of to-go orders.
City Government
All non-essential city facilities remain closed. The city will continue the moratorium on special event applications and continue to communicate with state and local authorities regarding public health metrics.
Additionally, Mayor Bottoms issued an Administrative Order directing the Atlanta Department of Transportation to develop a plan for the city streets and roadways. The plan should help facilitate the ability of the public and local businesses to use the streets safely as the city continues its reopening plan.
The plan calls for Atlanta to remain in Phase II until it meets all metrics required to move to Phase III. However, if there is a sustained increase in the number of new COVID-19 cases or critical care/hospital capacity falls below 50 percent, the city will revert to Phase I.
How Can Atlanta Residents Protect Themselves and Their Families During the Coronavirus Outbreak?
Along with following CDC guidelines for COVID-19, the City of Atlanta provides additional guidance for individuals to help protect themselves from the coronavirus:
- Avoid touching your face, especially your nose, eyes, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Wash hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds.
- Use hand sanitizer whenever you cannot wash your hands.
- Avoid close contact with anyone who is sick.
- Stay at home if you are sick.
- Use a tissue to cover coughs and sneezes. Dispose of tissues in trash cans immediately.
- Use disposable wipes to disinfect and clean surfaces or objects that are touched frequently.
- Follow instructions issued by health professionals and monitor yourself closely if you travel to a country with an ongoing COVID-19 outbreak.
- Use the CDC guidelines for preparing your home and creating a household plan to address the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Know what to do if someone in your home is sick or diagnosed with the coronavirus.
- Make sure that you have a supply of all essential medications that you or your family members need.
Can I Get Tested for COVID-19 in Atlanta?
Atlanta government officials advise that you contact your health care provider or your state or local health department if you have symptoms of COVID-19. They can assist you in locating a place to get tested.
For more information, Atlanta residents can contact:
- The Fulton County Board of Health at 404-613-8150;
- The Georgia Department of Health at 844-442-2681; or,
- The DeKalb County Board of Health at 404-294-3700.
What if I am Injured in an Accident?
As Atlanta continues to reopen, more individuals will be using the streets again. Atlanta has some of the busiest and most crowded streets in the region. Therefore, motor vehicle accidents are common.
Also, as more people choose bicycling or walking instead of taking public transportation, there could be an increase in the risk of bicycle accidents and pedestrian accidents throughout the city. Additionally, more bicyclists and pedestrians are using the roads as they get out to exercise as restrictions permit.
You may be hesitant about going into the office of a personal injury lawyer because of COVID-19 concerns. However, many personal injury lawyers in Atlanta and other areas are utilizing virtual and telephone consultations to ensure accident victims have access to trusted legal advice.
If a negligent or reckless party causes your injury, do not let the coronavirus stop you from talking to an attorney. Keep detailed notes and records about the accident and your injury, including your medical treatment and care. When you are ready to speak with an attorney, contact the attorney’s office to ask about a virtual or telephone conference.
Even though most of our attention is on deaths and illnesses from COVID-19, people continue to sustain injuries from car accidents, slips and falls, dog attacks, pedestrian accidents, and other personal injury accidents each day. It is important to take steps to protect your legal rights even if you cannot physically meet with an attorney right now.
