Department of Public Health issues retraction of incorrect COVID-19 data

SHEILA A. MATHEWS ::: The Georgia Department of Public Health District 4 Office has issued a retraction of statistical data released Tuesday. It was reported by District 4 Accreditation and Marketing Coordinator Susie Hammock that Spalding County’s confirmed case count had increased from five to nine, Pike County had its first three confirmed cases and […]

Nine COVID-19 cases confirmed in Spalding County

STAFF REPORT ::: The Department of Public Health is now reporting there are nine confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Spalding County. The most recent update of the DPH daily status report at noon listed five cases. These nine contribute to a total of 184 confirmed cases in DPH District 4, which includes Butts, Carroll, Coweta, […]

Kemp executive order requires some to quarantine; shuts down bars, nightclubs

SHEILA A. MATHEWS ::: Unlike a number of other states across the nation, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp has not issued a shelter in place order that applies to all citizens. Instead, Kemp on Monday issued an executive order specifically targeting “at a minimum” some of the most vulnerable to critical complications of COVID-19 including individuals […]

WellStar Spalding Regional Hospital restricting visitors

STAFF REPORT ::: WellStar Spalding Regional Hospital, along with other facilities in the WellStar Health System, is suspending social visitation. This step is being taken on the recommendation of public health officials. “WellStar understands the importance of access and has approached these changes thoughtfully to minimize disruption,” a statement said. “The health system’s focus is […]

City of Griffin addresses utility customers and residents on COVID-19 changes

STAFF REPORT ::: The city of Griffin seeks to remind customers of the importance of paying utility bills and other important information during the COVID-19 pandemic. A press release issued Thursday expressed appreciation for residents’ patience and perseverance during this unique time in history, and acknowledged employees who are “tenaciously working around the clock to […]

Spalding County launches informational COVID-19 website

STAFF REPORT ::: Spalding County has implemented a website to cover the local state of affairs and keep residents informed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The website will include the latest updates on office closures or restricted access within Spalding County government offices, and press releases from Emergency Management, Homeland Security and the Department […]

DPH: Three COVID-19 cases confirmed in Spalding County

STAFF REPORT ::: The Department of Public Health reports there are now three confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Spalding County. Overall, there are 35 confirmed cases in District 4 which includes Butts, Carroll, Coweta, Fayette, Heard, Henry, Lamar, Meriwether, Pike, Spalding, Troup and Upson counties. Health officials are taking measures to reduce the spread of […]

To believe or not to believe? That is the question

SHEILA A. MATHEWS ::: EDITORIAL COLUMN To be cliché as I state the obvious, we’re living in uncertain times. The COVID-19 pandemic has been met with an unprecedented global response that has virtually everyone scrambling to keep up with a constant flow of information. While The GRIP will only report information obtained from vetted sources, […]

Governor addresses COVID-19 status; state and federal responses

STAFF REPORT ::: Governor Brian Kemp on Thursday addressed Georgians, providing updated information on the COVID-19 pandemic, how it is impacting Georgia and ongoing responses from the state and federal level. His address can be read in its entirety below. “This afternoon, I am saddened to announce that we have lost ten Georgians to COVID-19. […]

Spalding County has first confirmed case of COVID-19

STAFF REPORT ::: The Georgia Department of Public Health is reporting Spalding County now has its first confirmed case of COVID-19. There are 26 confirmed cases in Georgia Department of Public Health District 4, which includes Butts, Carroll, Coweta, Fayette, Heard, Henry, Lamar, Meriwether, Pike, Spalding, Troup and Upson counties. Health officials are taking measures […]

Spalding County resident hospitalized, awaiting COVID-19 test results

SHEILA A. MATHEWS ::: Reports circulating that a Sun City Peachtree (SCP) resident has tested positive for COVID-19 are currently unconfirmed. According to Spalding County Board of Health Chairman Johnie McDaniel, a patient from SCP has been tested, but those results are pending. “What I found out is that someone at Sun City was tested […]

Screenings now required for entry to city offices; updated services info released

STAFF REPORT ::: While city offices remain open to the public, effective immediately, everyone will be screened by a certified emergency medical technician prior to entry. Authorities say the city of Griffin will continue to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic with evolving changes in procedure with the best interest of employees at the forefront of […]

COVID-19 testing must be prioritized, medical resources conserved, Georgia officials say

STAFF REPORT ::: As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread throughout the state of Georgia, questions abound regarding testing for this newest strain of coronavirus. Today, a joint statement about the prioritization of testing was released by Governor Brian Kemp, the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH), the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) and the […]

State officials confirm two additional COVID-19 Georgia deaths

STAFF REPORT ::: The Department of Health has confirmed two additional deaths from COVID-19 in Georgia. The two include a 42-year-old woman and a 69-year-old man, both of whom died in an Albany hospital. In addition to COVID-19, each had existing medical conditions. Older adults and people who have severe underlying medical conditions like heart […]

Spalding County officials announce actions taken in response to COVID-19

STAFF REPORT ::: The Spalding County Board of Commissioners has announced action and precautions regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, and say local officials are closely monitoring all federal, state and local public health announcements. Out of an abundance of caution, Spalding County will be taking the following necessary precautions to ensure the health and well-being of […]