The University of Georgia community is panicking following three confirmed COVID-19 cases in Athens-Clarke County. County officials drafted emergency plans for a city-wide 9:00 p.m. curfew.
The proposed curfew was briefly revised to be 7:00 p.m. but has since been approved to be imposed at the original 9:00 p.m. limit.
None of the five bordering counties (Barrow, Jackson, Madison, Oconee, Oglethorpe) has a confirmed case.
Following the NCAA’s ordered cancellation of all winter and spring sports, Clarke county residents like myself now have more pressing concerns than whether or not G-Day is still on in a few weeks.
Mayor & Commission tonight passed an ordinance to declare a local state of emergency. It includes a voluntary shelter in place provision & prohibits gatherings of 10+ at bars, restaurants, entertainment establishments & @accgov / public property. Details: https://t.co/qwATfl8v6N pic.twitter.com/dO8BHhYwpI
— Athens-Clarke County (@accgov) March 17, 2020
To paint a picture of what it’s like in Athens, a town with a population density of 1,038 people per square mile:
I’ve seen neither paper towels nor toilet paper on store shelves in six days. I can’t remember the last time I encountered disinfectant wipes or hand sanitizer. I saw about three loaves of sliced bread and maybe half a dozen baguettes at my local grocery last night. I drove to four stores before I found a dozen eggs.
My friends who work in UGA offices haven’t been able to work for about two weeks. They’re concerned, rightfully so, about how they will pay their bills this month.
My bank is now drive-through only and hasn’t guaranteed if they’ll stay open this week.
Almost all restaurants, if not closed, are drive-through or takeout only.
Heads turn in any public space in which a cough or sneeze is overheard.
The University of Georgia has yet to provide an update on when campus activities will resume. Nobody can predict a timeline of when all of this will blow over, but the lack of update remains disheartening.
For other inquiries into how the global health pandemic affects the world of college sports:
Georgia football produces positive video amid coronavirus pandemic
Finebaum: NCAA president Emmert’s handling of cancellations “inexcusable”
Coronavirus forces NCAA to make big decisions regarding eligibility, recruiting
SEC cancels its men’s basketball tournament due to coronavirus
NCAA grants spring season athletes an extra year of eligibility
Will Georgia football cancel G-Day due to coronavirus?
Georgia football Pro Day postponed amid coronavirus outbreak