City of Valdosta COVID-19 Update
Over the last several weeks, the City of Valdosta has been closely monitoring the recent reports and information on COVID 19, commonly referred to as coronavirus. Like you, we have watched as this illness has moved into the U.S., our state and now our community. The City has been working closely to learn more information from our public health officials with the Lowndes County Health Department, the Georgia Department of Public Health, Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization. This communication is not meant to alarm you, but it is to inform you that the City of Valdosta is working to prepare for the spread of illness over the coming weeks.
Beginning Friday, March 13, the City is postponing all scheduled public events, this includes Food Truck Thursday. The City of Valdosta is not responsible for the scheduling of Azalea Festival. All decisions regarding the festival will come from the Azalea Festival board.
Citizens have reached out to the City concerned about utility services, particularly citizens in our senior population. There will not be a disruption to water or sewer services at this time. The City of Valdosta takes the health and safety of our community very seriously. As we continue our efforts to stop the spread of the COVID-19, it is important that everyone in Valdosta have access to clean water. We encourage those residents and businesses that are part of the City of Valdosta utility system to take advantage of auto-drafts for bill payments or utilizing the drop box at Customer Service for payments by check. Online payments are also an option.
As of now, City offices will remain open. Our City plan includes the possibility of closing City buildings to the public. If this occurs, payments can be placed in the outside drop box, or you may use online bill pay or pay by phone with credit cards. Our staff will continue to work, answer phones, and keep the city running, the public will not be allowed into City buildings during this time in order to limit the interaction with the public. We will keep the public and media informed if these steps are taken.
“I want the public to be assured we are taking precautions, planning, and will be adapting to changing conditions. We want to do everything possible to keep our citizens safe and healthy,” said City Manager, Mark Barber.
The CDC has advised:
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
• Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol if soap is not available.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using regular household cleaning sprays or wipes.
• Stay home if you feel sick.
The CDC identifies certain people as a higher risk for getting very sick from coronavirus.
• Older adults
• People who have serious chronic medical conditions like:
o Heart disease
o Diabetes
o Lung disease
The City of Valdosta will provide updates and links concerning coronavirus at : https://www.valdostacity.com/public-information/covid-19-preparedness-response