A recap, if you missed it.
Today, our District 2 Councilman Amir Farokhi hosted a virtual Town Hall meeting to discuss the current response to COVID-19, what we can expect for next steps and to hear concerns directly from District 2 residents. We thank him for being available, devoted and candid with our community so we can all feel informed and prepared.
Councilman Farokhi provided a brief presentation to outline the discussion. Approximately 160 residents participated with Midtown having the largest neighborhood showing! MNA is proud of our engaged community and ask you to continue dialing in to all the updates in this constantly shifting reality we now find ourselves in together.
In addition to the presentation notes, Councilman Farokhi provided these additional answers:
Is construction on commercial or residential buildings considered essential and therefore allowed?
Yes. Per the Mayor’s Executive Order, construction whether commercial or residential is allowed to continue and it is up to the management company on site to enforce proper preventive measures like distancing. The City or APD will not be policing the construction sites.
Is a curfew anticipated soon?
There is no indication of a curfew at this point.
Can alcohol be delivered along with my food delivery order?
No. The Mayor’s Executive Order allows for alcohol to be carried out but not delivered.
If we see someone gathering in the parks or BeltLine, what should we do?
Feel free to call 911 and ask the operator to send an officer to disperse a group gathering.
Is being outside ok?
Yes. Some will feel like they need to get outside to manage their mental health, walk their dog, or get some exercise. You should feel ok going for a walk. Please maintain 6 FT between you and others at all time and more if possible. Keep in mind, you can choose other routes for your walk or run that are less crowded. Try something new.
The BeltLine is really crowded.
The Atlanta BeltLine Coalition is monitoring it. Special attention will be paid to this Friday, Saturday and Sunday as the weather warms and crowds are more likely.
An APS Update.
Councilman Farokhi asked APS School Board Chairman, Jason Esteves, to join the Town Hall and provide some data on APS efforts to date:
- To assist with distance learning, APS has provided approximately 24,000 devices and 7,000 hot spots to students between 1st grade and high school. There are available units for each student to get one or the other but not both at this time. They are also providing paper resources when needed.
- APS is distributing meals to students via 10 food distribution sites. To date, they have given out 70,312 meals. They have partnered with GOODR for meal distribution and the Atlanta Community Food Bank for grocery delivery to student families.
- Meal delivery will not take place over spring break. However, they are trying to deliver enough groceries to the families to last them over the spring break period in conjunction with the Atlanta Community Food Bank. If you would like to help, Mr. Esteves suggests contacting the Atlanta Community Food Bank to arrange a donation to help fund more food supplies in the Atlanta area.
- APS will be hosting a virtual Town Hall Q&A of their own on Facebook Live on March 26th at 4 PM. Tune in for more APS details.
- APS has a COVID-19 website with regular updates. Check back often for the latest APS news.
Useful resources to know and SHARE.
Georgia COVID-19 Hotline:
1-844-442-2681
If you believe that you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or have been exposed to the novel coronavirus, please contact your primary care doctor or an urgent care clinic. Please do not show up unannounced at an emergency room or health care facility.
United Way Help Center
Dial 211
If you or someone you know needs assistance, they can simply dial 211 and be connected with a United Way representative that can guide them to resources to get them what they need.
