Based on the past seven days of a decreasing seven-day average of positive COVID-19 cases, Macon-Bibb County is moving from Phase Three of its operational response plan to Phase Two. The decision comes after the seven-day average fell below 50 cases for five consecutive days. The next phase change would happen if the average moves below 15 for five consecutive days or rises to above 50 again.

“Much of our operation will remain the same between the phases, but we are seeing a reduction in the number of positive cases in our community,” says County Manager Dr. Keith Moffett. “Even with some of these minor changes, it’s not time to relax our use of preventative measures. People should still be wearing face masks, maintaining social distancing, avoiding large groups, and more.”

“We continue to work with our departments and partner agencies to put protections in place for our employees and the public,” says EMA Director Spencer Hawkins. “Only by taking all preventative measures will the number of daily cases continue to decrease, and together we can protect Middle Georgia.”

Recent Seven-Day Average

COVID-19 Phased Response Plan Phase Two

• Continue Department telework and staggered schedule plans.
• Masks are required for employees and citizens to enter County buildings.
• Strictly regulate the issuance of Special Event permits.
• Continue virtual transactions and setting appointments for interaction with public for things like business licenses, permits, and Municipal Courts.
• Park pavilions and recreation centers remain closed.
• Group sports fields closed to Macon-Bibb county leagues.
• Increased public park bathrooms cleaning continues.
• Coordinated actions with outside partner agencies continue.
• PPE distribution by EMA, Recreation Department, and other departments, agencies, and offices will continue.

PPE Distribution Continues

The EMA is still coordinating and managing a major distribution of facemasks, gloves, and hand sanitizer through the recreation centers and county vehicles. As of Friday, September 4, more than 60,564 free masks, 44,492 free gloves, and 4,605 bottle of hand sanitizer were handed out at the recreation centers. Additionally, there are more than 25,000 facemasks in more than 500 departmental vehicles, including those with the Sheriff’s Office, Parks & Beautification Department, Public Works Department, and Facilities Management Department.

Recreation Centers

• Delores A. Brooks Recreation Center (3326 Ocmulgee East Boulevard)
• Elaine H. Lucas Senior Center (132 Willie Smokie Glover Drive)
• Frank Johnson Recreation Center (2227 Mercer University Drive)
• Freedom Park (3301 Roff Avenue)
• Gilead/Bloomfield Recreation Center (1931 Rocky Creek Road)
• L.H. Williams Recreation Center (325 Pursley Street)
• Memorial Gym (763 Long Street)
• Rosa Jackson Recreation Center (1211 Maynard Street)
• South Bibb Recreation Center (7035 Houston Road)
• Theron Ussery Recreation Center (815 North Macon Park Drive)

Mask Mandate & Preventative Measures

At a Special Called Meeting on Tuesday, August 25, 2020, the Macon-Bibb County Commission approved two mandates requiring people to wear face masks or coverings when in public and in government facilities and vehicles, both when social distancing cannot be maintained. Both were passed in an ongoing effort to slow the spread of COVID-19 and protect Middle Georgia.

One requires people to wear a face mask or covering when in public places and a good social distance of six feet from other people who do not share the same household, cannot be maintained. The other states no employee nor member of the public shall be admitted to any county property or to use a county vehicle unless he or she is wearing a face covering or mask.

In addition to requiring face masks or coverings in public and in government facilities to help protect Middle Georgia and slow the spread of COVID-19, officials are asking people to follow ALL guidelines from the CDC guidelines, including:

• Monitor your health daily and get tested if you show symptoms or believe you’ve come in contact with someone who has tested positive;
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds;
• Avoid close contact with people, meaning at least six feet away;
• Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze; and
• Clean and disinfect surfaces.

Both Ordinances outline exceptions, and businesses and organizations can also opt out of this mandate by posting the appropriate signage, an example of which is included with the Ordinance. To read in what situations masks are not required, read the penalties for people not complying with the Ordinances, and print off the opt-out signage, click here. Even in places opting out of the mandate, the public is still strongly encouraged to wear face masks as a precautionary measure.