IMPORTANT LOCAL NEWS UPDATE FOR WED., APRIL 1, 2020

Here is an update on several local issues as of this date:

COVID-19
After some confusion between reports from state and district officials we are being told that there is currently only one positive case of COVID-19 of a Grady County resident. Archbold reports Wednesday there is one patient in Grady General Hospital who has tested positive and two inpatients awaiting results. Officials say these numbers can change at any time and all residents should continue to adhere to social distancing, avoid gatherings of 10 or more, practice extensive hygiene, and avoid those exhibiting symptoms or who are seniors with compromised health and conditions.

SCHOOLS CLOSED FOR REMAINDER OF THIS TERM
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp announced today his decision to close schools statewide for the remainder of this school term. Grady County school superintendent Dr. Kermit Gilliard said he would be meeting with principals on Thursday to evaluate the situation and make plans for remote instruction for the remainder of the school year. Dr. Gilliard has also received authorization so essential services like the twice-weekly distribution of meals to students will continue.

STATEWIDE SHELTER IN PLACE ORDER
Governor Kemp also announced Wednesday his plans to issue a statewide shelter in place order. Details on the order will be announced Thursday and the order is expected to go into effect on Friday.

GRADY COUNTY COMMISSION MEETS THURSDAY
The Grady County Board of Commissioners rescheduled its April 7 meeting to Thursday, April 2 beginning at 9 a.m. Commission Chairman Keith Moye has announced that he will limit the audience to 10 and temperatures of each person entering the chamber will be taken in advance.

CITY QUALIFYING ENDS
Qualifying for the special election to fill the unexpired term of mayor of Cairo closed today at 12:30 p.m. According to City Clerk Dana W. Barfield, the only candidates who qualified are Howard Thrower III, Daniel Hammond, and Emory Thomas Sr. The city is still working on the assumption that the special election will be held May 19. The Cairo Messenger will continue to update residents on this special election.

See the April 1 edition of The Cairo Messenger for more local news. And on a lighter note, The 2020 Best of Grady County is featured in today’s paper. See who the readers of The Messenger voted as the Best of the Best!