Information Regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19)

April 1, 2020

Church, nonprofits to continue to feed kids on Wednesdays

Free bagged lunches for children will continue to be handed out Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Powder Springs First United Methodist Church, 4329 Marietta St., and Tapp Middle School, 3900 Macedonia Road.

The bagged meals will include items such as sandwiches, Lunchables, chips and juice and will be distributed while supplies last. Those planning on picking up at Powder Springs First United Methodist should enter on Walton Street and enter the rear parking lot for drive-up service. Volunteers on hand will ask how many bagged meals are needed and will hand them to the driver to avoid prolonged close contact.

The effort is being put on by the church in conjunction with the Powder Springs Taskforce, South Cobb PTA, other nonprofits and many community volunteers. It follows the closure of Cobb County and other schools in response to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

Donations for the effort remain needed and can be dropped off at the church on Wednesday mornings or can reach out to the Rev. Roger A. Vest, lead pastor at First United Methodist, to arrange drop-off at other times.

March 27, 2020

Manufacturers and distributors asked to help state’s COVID-19 fight

Manufacturers, Distributors & Artisans of Powder Springs: YOU can help Georgia fight COVID-19! If you’re able to produce critical healthcare items for our state’s medical workers and first responders, please complete this form: https://www.georgia.org/covid19response. 

Please also print a copy of your completed form (either print and scan, or save as PDF) to submit to Powder Springs City Hall to let the city know of your efforts to create these essential items, as we hope to feature you on our website and social media channels. Send your completed forms to our communications consultant at jg@gargisconsulting.com.

March 26, 2020

Meals on Wheels in Cobb County

Through the Meals on Wheels program, Cobb County provides a nutritionally balanced meal to qualifying homebound older adults within the county. Meals are delivered five days per week by our dedicated and trained volunteers to the client’s door. Menus are planned and prepared under the supervision of a registered dietitian and are designed to provide one-third of an adult’s daily nutritional requirements. Clients who have difficulty adequately feeding their cat or dog may receive supplemental pet food at no charge.

In order to be eligible for Meals on Wheels a person must reside in Cobb County, be at least 60 years of age and have a physical or mental disability that prevents him or her from preparing meals on a daily basis. All clients are assessed through our Care Management team and cost is determined by household income on a sliding scale. No client is denied services due to inability to pay.

For more information on receiving meals, call 770-528-5364.

For more information on volunteering, contact 770-528-5381.

March 24, 2020

Powder Springs announces executive order

Pursuant to the City of Powder Springs’ Declaration of Emergency adopted on March 16, 2020, the City announces the reissuing of the Declaration of Emergency and issuance of an executive order effective 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, March 25, 2020.

The Mayor and Powder Springs officials announce this executive order over the potential dangers to public health presented by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), which as of noon Tuesday has resulted in 32 deaths out of 1,026 cases statewide, according to the Georgia Department of Public Health.

 During the executive order, the following requirements shall be in effect:

• All restaurants and other places where food and drink is offered to the public shall be limited to take out, drive through or delivery. All on-premises dining is prohibited. Such establishments with a license to sell alcoholic beverages may sell such beverages with take-out orders in unopened containers but only during the times specified on the establishment’s license. This does not include delivery. This directive is intended to suspend city enforcement of prohibitions about certain beverages being sold with carry out food purchases. The City has no control over state enforcement of state laws. Restaurants that have a license to sell alcoholic beverages and are located within a designated entertainment district where open containers are allowed may sell such licensed beverages with in-person take-out orders. Alcoholic beverages must be consumed outside the restaurant and within the area of the connected entertainment district with such takeout order.
• All public assemblages, events and gatherings of more than 10 people are prohibited within the city limits. This does not apply to childcare facilities, grocery stores and other essential businesses, which are spelled out below.
• All event facilities, bars or night clubs, gyms, recreation clubs and private social clubs are closed.
• All businesses which are not defined as essential businesses below, where as a part of the normal business operation, employees have direct contact with customers, are closed. The term “direct contact” as used herein shall mean the state or condition of physical touching any part of the customer’s body. These businesses include but are not limited to hair salons, barber shops, nail salons, spas, massage parlors and tattoo parlors.  
• All businesses except “essential businesses,” as defined below, shall have hours of operation beginning no earlier than 6 a.m. and ending no later than 9 p.m. Essential businesses are defined as the following:
  • Health care operations, including research and laboratory operations
  • Federal, State, County and Municipal services
  • Utilities (gas, electricity, phone, cable)
  • Banks and credit unions
  • Essential Infrastructure--telecommunications, airports, airlines, transportation (buses, CobbLinc, Lyft, Uber, taxis)
  • Delivery services (businesses that deliver or ship foods or goods to homes or businesses)
  • Essential Manufacturing/Construction to maintain public health, safety and welfare
  • Businesses selling food
  • Pharmacies
  • Businesses that perform repair and construction work for businesses and homes
  • Trash and recycling collection, processing, and disposal
  • Mail and shipping services
  • Laundromats/dry cleaning
  • Janitorial Services (Building/Residential cleaning and maintenance)
  • Providers of basic necessities to economically disadvantaged populations
  • Auto repair, wrecker services, and gas stations
  • Warehouse/distribution and fulfillment
  • Funeral homes, crematories, and cemeteries
  • Storage for essential businesses
  • Animal shelters or animal care or management and crematories
  • News Media
  • Logistical and Tech Support.
  • Cafeterias located within medical, industrial, government or other such production facilities that are performing essential functions that are necessary to promote health, welfare and vital resources in the City. These facilities are strongly encouraged to stagger meal times, limit use as much as feasible to achieve physical distancing, and to thoroughly follow CDC protocols of cleaning.
  • Childcare or elderly care facilities located within medical, industrial, government or other such production facilities that are performing essential functions that are necessary to promote health, welfare and vital resources in the City.
  • Any service that is deemed by the City Manager to be essential for the protection of public health, safety and welfare.
• All businesses and employers that remain open to the public shall limit their hours and methods of operation in order to limit the number of customers on premises such that in person contact is restricted to and maintained at a distance of 6 feet between individuals consistent with the recommendations of the CDC.
• All businesses and employers are directed to take the necessary steps, to the maximum extent possible, to provide employees with the means and equipment to perform their job functions remotely.
• All individuals are asked to participate in a voluntary curfew beginning at 9 p.m. and ending at 6 a.m., except for necessary trips to and from essential work, for medical treatment, food or medication, or other emergency.
• All individuals and families are encouraged to shelter in place as much as possible.
• Any person showing symptoms recognized by the CDC as indicators of COVID-19 shall refrain from entering public buildings, restaurants, shops, public transportation facilities and all other areas where the public ingresses or egresses. Such person should seek medical attention and follow the directions of their Primary Care Physician until given the clearance to return to public interaction.
• All individuals in public places must maintain and restrict in person contact as much as possible and maintain a distance of 6 feet between individuals.

This Executive Order shall be effective at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, March 25, and be in effect until revoked.

City facilities, including parks and recreation, remain closed per the City’s limited closure, which took effect Wednesday, March 18. Limited services are continuing, including public safety and sanitation operations. Additional details can be found here: cityofpowdersprings.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=802.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), research shows that some people are at higher risk of getting very sick from COVID-19, including older adults and people who have serious chronic medical conditions such as heart disease, lung disease and diabetes. While novel coronavirus may affect other populations to less of an extent, its spread and transmittal to higher-risk populations presents a threat to health and human life. 

Future announcements from the city will be posted on its website, cityofpowdersprings.org, while previously released information on coronavirus — from local resources and changes to operations within the city and county, to health guidelines provided by the CDC — can be found at cityofpowdersprings.org/806/Information-Regarding-the-Coronavirus-CO.

Coronavirus Rumor Control

FEMA has published a website to help the public distinguish between rumors and facts regarding the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Rumors can easily circulate within communities during a crisis, so the public is urged stay informed with FEMA updated myth vs. facts related to the federal COVID-19 response. Access the page at this link: https://www.fema.gov/coronavirus-rumor-control.

March 20, 2020

Transit routes to be cut starting Monday

The State Road and Tollway Authority is reducing the service levels of Xpress transit to balance the need to implement social distancing on its coaches while efficiently serving a much smaller ridership that still includes essential workers in the region. Xpress is committed to doing its part in slowing the spread of the coronavirus while continuing to provide critical services to healthcare professionals, first responders and other employees in key industries that rely on public transit.

Effective Monday, March 23, Xpress will begin reducing service levels for Xpress Transit. This includes Route 476, which  operates Monday-Friday and connects the Hiram and Powder Springs Park-and-Rides to Downtown Atlanta. The changes will cut the number of coaches running in both the mornings and afternoons.

More details on changes to Route 476 and others can be found at this link: xpressga.com/reducedschedule/.

While SRTA officials say they recognize the changes may be inconvenient to some customers, they believe these operational decisions meet the needs of protecting the health and safety of our customers and the Xpress transit employees and the goal of continuing to run safe and reliable service without major disruptions.

March 19, 2020

Church, nonprofits teaming up to feed kids Friday and weekdays through March

Free bagged lunches for children will be handed out from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, March 20, at Powder Springs First United Methodist Church, 4329 Marietta St., and Tapp Middle School, 3900 Macedonia Road.

After Friday, the bagged meal distribution will resume weekdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at both locations, with plans to continue through at least the end of the month, according to the Rev. Roger A. Vest, lead pastor at First United Methodist.

The bagged meals will include items such as sandwiches, Lunchables, chips and juice and will be distributed while supplies last. Those planning on picking up at Powder Springs First United Methodist should enter on Walton Street and enter the rear parking lot for drive-up service. Volunteers on hand will ask how many bagged meals are needed and will hand them to the driver to avoid prolonged close contact.

The effort is being put on by the church in conjunction with the Powder Springs Taskforce, South Cobb PTA, other nonprofits and many community volunteers. It follows the closure of Cobb County and other schools in response to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

The church is accepting donations of food and money between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. each weekday to put toward the effort.  

Food pantry distribution set for Saturday

Reflections of Trinity operates a food pantry at 4037 Austell Powder Springs Road.  They have operated the pantry for eight years from this location and have distributed food to several senior communities for four years.  During the COVID-19 pandemic, Reflections of Trinity will continue to remain open to service the needy in the community.  They are monitoring the CDC for instruction as they move forward in their service.

On Saturday, March 21, 2020, Reflections of Trinity will distribute food from their pantry at 4037 Austell Powder Springs Road as a mobile operation.  Customers will remain in their vehicles and will be directed to follow a route down Lindley Lane to Louise Street to the parking lot where food will be placed from a conveyor into the trunks of the customers’ vehicles.  A map showing the general route is shown below.  The distribution will begin at 10 a.m.  

Reflections of Trinity representatives are seeking volunteers to assist with directing traffic as well as receive applications from new customers.  Please contact Reflections of Trinity if you are available to volunteer Saturday.

Small Business Administration Statewide Disaster Declaration and Economic Injury Disaster Loans Information

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp has requested and received a Small Business Administration Statewide Disaster Declaration, and Economic Injury Disaster Loans are now available for all Georgia counties. This enables small businesses in Georgia to receive economic assistance. Small businesses can apply for disaster loan assistance through this link: https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/Account/Login.

Click here for a fact sheet (PDF) on the U.S. Small Business Administration Economic Injury Disaster Loans.

Click here for a frequently asked questions document (PDF) on the Economic Injury Disaster Loans.

The U.S. Department of Labor has also announced availability of nearly $100 million in National Health Emergency Dislocated Worker Grants in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. The funds will be available to help address the workforce-related impacts of the public health emergency. Supported by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014, Dislocated Worker Grants temporarily expand the service capacity of dislocated worker programs at the state and local levels by providing funding assistance in response to large, unexpected economic events that cause significant job losses. The Employment and Training Administration administers federal government job training and dislocated worker programs, federal grants to states for public employment service programs and unemployment insurance benefits. These services are primarily provided through state and local workforce development systems.

Entities eligible to apply for Disaster Recovery Dislocated Worker Grants are states, outlying areas and Indian Tribal Governments as defined in the Stafford Act (42 U.S.C. 5122(6)). Disaster Recovery Dislocated Worker Grants will provide eligible participants with both disaster-relief employment and employment and training activities. These participants can include dislocated workers, workers who were laid-off as a result of the disaster, self-employed individuals who are unemployed or underemployed as a result of the disaster, and long-term unemployed individuals. Eligible entities can also apply for Employment Recovery DWGs in response to layoffs caused by cancellations or shutdowns caused by coronavirus. Employment Recovery Dislocated Worker Grants will provide employment and training services to reintegrate eligible individuals back into the workforce.

March 18, 2020

Cobb Libraries’ online resources offer access while county facilities remain closed

Cobb County Public Library offers a robust range of online digital resources for all ages. With the Powder Springs Library and the 15 other Cobb library locations closed until further notice, Cobb kids, adults, families and educators are encouraged to Use the Library from Home – eBooks, eAudios, digital magazines, streaming videos, language courses and more.

Access to the digital resources is free for Cobb library cardholders and through the Library PASS program providing library accounts for all Cobb County and Marietta City students. Explore the digital resources at cobbcat.org/use-the-library-from-home.

 For information on the Limited Operations of Cobb Public Libraries during the COVID-19 pandemic, visit cobbcat.org/limited-service-faq.

March 17, 2020

City to scale down but maintain essential services in response to coronavirus

In an effort to address the potential effects on the city of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the Powder Springs City Council passed Monday a slate of actions that will cut city operations down to essential services and close public access to all city facilities. 

Public safety and sanitation services will continue under the unanimously approved measures, though non-essential functions of those departments will be suspended, such as community outreach activities of the police department.  Other services will continue but will be delayed.

The city will undergo a “modified closure” that will close to the general public all city facilities.  The closure will take effect at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday. 

City departments will begin at that time operating with a “skeleton crew” on modified schedules. Signage outside city facilities that normally receive traffic from the public will direct customers on how to submit applications and payments and otherwise seek assistance with city services, most of which can be accomplished online or through the mail drop outside of City Hall.

These and other changes to city services are scheduled to run through 8 a.m. March 30, though are anticipated to be evaluated on or before March 30 to determine if the alternations to operations will need to be extended.

Additional changes to go into effect as part of a package of citywide actions presented by the city manager and unanimously approved by the council include:

• Court cases set for the remainder of March and April will be rescheduled for May with the exception of certain emergency hearings and to otherwise handle essential matters to ensure due process.

• The March zoning hearings will be canceled and rescheduled for the April cycle.

• Rental bookings for March at the Ford Center are canceled. Future bookings will not be taken at this time, with customers affected by the cancellations given first choice of dates once bookings resume.

• The $5 telephone fee for credit card payments by phone will be waived.

• City Council meetings scheduled for the remainder of March — a March 23 work session on the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax and a March 25-27 council retreat — have been canceled.

For additional information related to COVID-19, please see the Cobb Douglas Public Health Department information at http://www.cobbanddouglaspublichealth.com/services/epidemiology-infectious-disease/novelcoronavirus/ or the Center for Disease Control at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html.

March 10, 2020

The first passengers of the Grand Princess cruise ship to be quarantined at Dobbins Air Reserve Base in Marietta over coronavirus (COVID-19) concerns are expected to arrive Tuesday night. These passengers, according to Cobb County government officials, have not displayed symptoms nor tested positive for the virus; some passengers, however, have been diagnosed with the COVID-19 virus.

More than 250 passengers are expected to come into Dobbins via two airplanes, with the first within one plane Tuesday. These passengers will be screened by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services personnel. Most will serve out their 14-day quarantine period on the base, though some who live nearby may be allowed to return home to self-quarantine.

Cobb County has volunteered any assistance needed in the quarantine effort, which is being handled by the DHHS.

The county also announced the temporary closure of the West Cobb Library Tuesday for deep cleaning after discovering a worker had a possible exposure to a COVID-19 patient. While the worker has not been diagnosed with the virus, they were sent home under an abundance of caution and a cleaning company has been contracted to work on the facility. A timeframe to complete the cleaning had not been determined Tuesday evening.

Wednesday’s SPLOST Renewal Open House scheduled for the West Cobb Library has been canceled.

Operations at the Powder Springs Library remain unaffected. No city facilities or operations have been affected by the virus at this time.

March 9, 2020

Per state officials’ news conference Monday afternoon, Georgia now has 6 confirmed cases of COVID-19; 1 person is in Cobb, had recently traveled to Italy, with tests confirming the virus on March 7. That individual is self-quarantining at home.

 There are also 7 presumptive cases, pending testing.

As we shared yesterday, 34 Georgians, plus additional citizens from the United States, from the Grand Princess cruise ship will be taken to Dobbins Air Reserve Base in Marietta.

In addition to previously shared information, state officials said Monday that elderly residents are suggested to avoid family who may be sick, as is customary practice.

Stay tuned for other information as we receive it.

March 8, 2020

The risk to the general public remains low as headlines emerge Sunday of the upcoming transport of nearly three dozen quarantined passengers of a cruise ship hit by coronavirus (COVID-19) to Dobbins Air Reserve Base.

These passengers, mostly from Georgia, have NOT tested positive for the COVID-19 virus but will be tested during the remainder of their quarantine at the airbase in Marietta. 

Cobb Commission Chairman Mike Boyce met with public health, public safety and county administrators early Sunday morning after receiving word of the 34 passengers’ upcoming transport to the base. Boyce released a statement on the situation which can be viewed at the following link: https://youtu.be/Sz0xQ5GeKdI



Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp also released a statement on the quarantine which you can read at this link: https://www.cobbcounty.org/communications/news/cobb-county-and-covid-19-coronavirus-situation



Cobb County has been working with federal and state public health officials to coordinate the effort.  Boyce said the county would provide all public safety, public information and logistical support necessary for the operation, but believes any risk to the public remains low.

Continue reading for previously released information about the coronavirus (COVID-19), including how to reduce the spread of any respiratory illness and possible scams involving the coronavirus.

March 5, 2020

The City of Powder Springs continues to monitor local, state and federal health agencies for the latest information on the coronavirus (COVID-19), and we will provide any local-level information if and when necessary. As of the time of this post has manifested in only two individuals within the state — both within Fulton County and within the same household. Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp’s office says the two have only mild symptoms and remain isolated at home with other relatives to keep the illness from spreading.

Coronavirus scams could be making the rounds however, according to governor’s office. These may range from websites selling bogus products, fake emails or texts, and social media posts that may be aimed at stealing people’s money or personal information.

“These scam emails and posts may promote awareness and offer prevention tips and fake information about cases in your area. They also might ask for donations to help victims of the virus, offer advice on unproven treatments, or contain malicious email attachments,” Kemp’s office announced Wednesday.

Among the tips shared by the governor’s office and Attorney General Chris Carr:

Don’t click on links from sources you don’t know — it could download a virus onto your computer or device.

Watch for emails claiming to be from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or experts saying that have information about the virus. (Legitimate links to the CDC and information on the coronavirus can be found below.

• Ignore online offers for vaccinations. No vaccine or “cure” has yet to be developed for this strain of coronavirus, so pay no attention to sales pitches claiming such.

Do your homework when it comes to donations to help victims of the virus or other related causes. If someone wants donations in cash, by gift card or by wiring money, don’t do it.

• Be wary of “investment opportunities” and claims that the products or services of publicly-traded companies can prevent, detect, or cure coronavirus and these companies’ stocks will increase in value as a result.
• Scammers may also overcharge for health-related products or shipping costs, so always comparison shop before making any purchases.


Lastly, heed these tips to reduce the spread of any respiratory illness:

• Wash your hands with soap and water often
• Cover your coughs and sneezes, preferably with a tissue and throw that tissue away
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
• Stay home from school or work (except to get medical care) if you are ill
• Call ahead before visiting your doctor
• Separate yourself from other people when you are ill
• Avoid sharing personal household items with others who are ill
• Clean all “high-touch” surfaces everyday

For more information regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19) please visit the Cobb & Douglass Public Health website at COVID-19.