Public school buildings closed for remainder of academic year
Board of Education, State & National April 2, 2020
ATLANTA, Ga – Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp signed Executive Order 04.01.20.01 to close all public-school facilities through the end of the school year.
Kemp announced the order on April 1, along with his decision to implement a shelter in place directive until April 13. He first closed public K-12 schools on March 31 and had since extended the order until April 24.
The order applies to all elementary, secondary, and post-secondary public education facilities in order to stop the spread of COVID-19 in Georgia communities. As of April 1, the week of April 23 is predicted to be the tipping point in the Georgia outbreak.
Online learning will continue, and local school districts can determine the final day of classes. Also, faculty and staff can return to their classrooms once school districts determine it is safe for employees to enter the campus.
Georgia Department of Public Health and Department of Education are taking measures to ensure the nutrition and safety needs of students are being met during this time.
A testing waiver for public schools was approved earlier in the year. No student will take Georgia Milestones.
This order does not apply to the University System of Georgia or the Technical College System of Georgia. The Chancellor of the University System and Commissioner of the Technical College System reserve the right to make decisions about their respective campuses across Georgia.
Georgia DPH adjusts COVID-19 models to include asymptomatic transmission
News, Police & Government, State & National April 1, 2020
BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – As of April 1, Georgia had 4,748 cases and 20,328 completed COVID-19 tests, but Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) has only tested symptomatic and high-risk patients. As a result, some cases have gone undiagnosed across Georgia.
Currently, DPH is following CDC guidelines, which still states online that not everyone needs to be tested for COVID-19. Most people who contract the virus will recover and can care for themselves at home. CDC gave healthcare workers four priority categories to help decide who receives tests.
Asymptomatic individuals were ranked last, and those exhibiting mild symptoms or subjected to potential community spread should only be tested if resources are available.
White County Public Safety Director David Murphy went on record about the issue.
“Some people take care of themselves at home and never go to a doctor, especially those who have minor symptoms,” he explained. Murphy added that White County first responders have encountered a dozen or more patients with coronavirus symptoms in the last two weeks.
DPH guidance for healthcare facilities when it comes to testing lower priority potential cases is as follows:
Patients with mild illness who do not require medical care or who are not a DIRECT contact of a confirmed COVID-19 case (meaning the person has NOT been within 6 feet of a confirmed case for greater than 10 minutes, will not meet criteria to be tested at GPHL but can be tested at commercial labs—see below:
These patients should self-isolate at home until symptoms resolve. If respiratory symptoms worsen, they may need to be re-evaluated. Guidance for safe home care can be found at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/guidance-homecare.html.
If you want to test these patients for COVID-19, commercial laboratory testing is the best option. Commercial laboratories are expected to conduct a substantial number of COVID-19 tests going forward. Currently, the primary source of testing is LabCorp, but we expect other laboratories will be testing in the near future as well, including Quest and ARUP. Neither LabCorp nor Quest will collect specimens at their facilities. Providers should contact LabCorp or Quest regarding supplies needed for testing.
DPH Commissioner Kathleen Toomey addressed that asymptomatic individuals in Georgia aren’t being tested but could be transmitting the virus to numerous Georgians. The state and DPH now believe the time is now appropriate to take “very aggressive measures.”
“We have not been testing everybody. We have only been testing those who have symptoms and those who are the most ill. And now, we recognize a game-changer, in how our strategy to fight COVID has unfolded. We realize now that individuals may be spreading the virus and not even realize they have an infection. As many as 1 in 4 people with coronavirus don’t realize they have the infection because they have no symptoms whatsoever,” explained Toomey.
“Finding out that this virus is now transmitting before they see signs,” remarked Gov. Brian Kemp. “Those individuals could have been infecting people before they ever felt bad.”
Kemp is expected to sign a shelter in place order on Thursday, April 2 to prevent people from ignoring self-quarantine recommendations. The details on the order are yet to be released.
Toomey further voiced that they knew asymptomatic community spread was possible due to the cruise ship cases. As of March 4, the CDC website also stated that asymptomatic spread is possible, but not as common as among individuals who are visibly sick.
Until the past 24-hours, all the DPH models relied on data solely from patients with symptoms.
“I think it’s a combination of recognizing not only that there are probably a large number of people out there who are infected who are asymptomatic, who never would have been recognized under our old models, but also seeing the community transmission that we’re seeing and now is the time to stop that transmission before the hospitals are overrun,” said Toomey.
How can Georgians prevent exposure/slow the spread?
Follow the CDC guidelines:
- Wash hands for at least 20 seconds – wash often
- Regularly clean and disinfect surfaces
- Avoid social contact and stay home
- Social distance if in public – stay six feet apart from each other
- Avoid touching the face – mouth, nose, eyes
- If sick, stay home
- Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue and throw it away
- Wear a facemask if sick
By following these guidelines and Kemp’s shelter-in-place order, Georgian’s should be able to flatten the curve and hopefully protect themselves and loved ones.
Kemp Announces Federal Approval of Major Disaster Declaration
Featured, Press Release March 29, 2020
Atlanta, GA – Governor Brian P. Kemp today announced that President Trump has declared a major disaster for all 159 Georgia counties due to the impacts from the Coronavirus pandemic, which resulted in a statewide Public Health Emergency being declared on March 14.
“Georgia is grateful for this designation, as it will enable the state to continue partnering with federal agencies in a coordinated fight against this pandemic,” said Governor Kemp. “The presidential declaration is a critical step in providing additional assistance to our state and local governments as they continue to respond to COVID-19.”
The declaration for federal assistance currently covers Emergency Protective Measures, which are those actions taken to eliminate or lessen immediate threats to lives, public health, or safety. This declaration also allows federal agencies to provide direct assistance to the State of Georgia.
Kemp declared a Public Health Emergency on March 14, activating the state emergency operations plan and making available state resources to help address any threats to public health and safety due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
As part of the Office of the Governor, the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS) works with local, state, and federal governments, in partnership with the private sector and faith-based community, to protect life and property against man-made and natural emergencies. In addition, GEMA/HS employees are on 24-hour call statewide to assist local authorities when disaster strikes. GEMA/HS’ “Ready Georgia” campaign helps Georgians prepare for disasters. Visit www.gema.ga.gov for more information.
Kemp, Williams: Officials Will Enforce Social Distancing at Parks, Lakes
Featured Stories March 29, 2020
Atlanta, GA – Today Governor Brian P. Kemp joined Department of Natural Resources Commissioner Mark Williams to issue the following joint statement:
“Across Georgia, there is a mandatory shelter in place order for medically fragile individuals, and gatherings of more than ten people are banned unless there is at least six feet between each person at all times. This order applies to all 159 counties.
“Fortunately, many Georgians are heeding these directives and following the advice of public health officials to stay safe and healthy. However, as we deal with the effects of coronavirus with school and business closures, people are eager for a change in scenery after days at home. They are traveling to nearby counties, heading outdoors for fresh air, and maximizing family time. Some are going to vacation homes, and others are hitting the lake, hiking trails, or campgrounds. We, too, enjoy exploring Georgia, but we urge people to stay mindful of social distancing, follow best practices, and avoid large crowds.
“The Department of Natural Resources will enforce the executive order limiting large gatherings with officials patrolling bodies of water and campgrounds. They are monitoring coves where people tend to congregate and, if necessary, using bullhorns to tell people to comply with the order. Officials will approach people in violation of the order and demand compliance for the well-being of our citizens and state. Local officials are also working hard to ensure compliance with local directives, which vary by city and county across our state.
“Please stay safe, enjoy your time outdoors, and follow our directives to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Together, we can flatten the curve and stop the spread of coronavirus.”
Are there any coincidences in the Stock Market? Was Senator Kelly Loeffler just Lucky??
Featured, Featured Stories March 27, 2020
Are there really any coincidences in the Stock Market? The junior Senator from Georgia, Kelly Loeffler, would have you believe that, but what do you think? Not only are there overwhelming examples of “coincidences” with her recent stock trades, but how in the world did the Junior Senator from Georgia immediately get assigned to such powerful committees with oversight of the very industries that made her the wealthiest member of Congress.
Kelly Loeffler was sworn into office on January 6, 2020 Jr. Senator of Georgia
She was just sworn in on January 6, 2020. She wasn’t elected by the people but was appointed by Governor Brian Kemp to fill the remainder of Johnny Isakson’s term. Yet somehow Kelly Loeffler got assigned to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry. This committee oversees the functions of the very company, Intercontinental Exchange, that made her and her husband wealthy. One of the subcommittees is Commodities, Risk Management and Trade. How coincidental. She is also on the Committee on Health, Education, Labor & Pensions, the Committtee on Veterans’ Affairs AND how about the Joint Economic Committee?
Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee Richard Burr sold up to $1.5 million in stocks in early February. From Sam Stein Tweet, Burr and Loeffler sat next to each other throughout the impeachment hearings, which occurred as they both started dumping stocks at the same time as the coronavirus hearing
So right out of the box Senator Loeffler has had access to and been privy to lots of information that affects the very foundation of our financial markets. Then, on January 24, 2020, Kelly Loeffler and several other Senators received a closed-door confidential briefing by the White House Administration on the current state of the CoronaVirus19 outbreak and its severity. Not only did Senator Loeffler somehow get to attend this closed-door meeting after only 2 weeks in office, but obviously she knew exactly what to do with the information.
Is this not a direct violation of the Public Trust? Is that not why the Stock Act of 2012 was passed, specifically to prohibit insider trading by federal lawmakers OR their spouses on information obtained in private and closed-door meetings OR to trade on any information NOT READILY AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC?
Right after that meeting, Octavia Spencer, the attorney for Jeffrey Sprecher, Kelly Loeffler’s husband and the owner of Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) filed a 10b5-1 document with the Security & Exchange Commission. This document is basically an organized plan for future sales of stock required by the SEC when majority stockholders or principals of the company have access to Material Non-Public Information (“MNPI”). Kelly Loeffler clearly had access to and received Material Non-Public Information. And since her husband owns ICE, which owns the New
They reside in Tuxedo Park, Atlanta, in a $10.5 million, 15,000-square-foot. Kelly Loeffler is the wealthiest member of congress.
York Stock Exchange and at least 12 commodity exchanges and 100% of Continental Power Exchange, they are both very familiar with the legal requirements of the SEC. No sales can take place for 30 days after the filing of this document.
So, on either Friday, January 24th or Monday morning January 27th, the attorney for Kelly Loeffler and her husband filed this 10b5-1, the Notice of Intent to Sell. Then exactly 30 days later, on February 26th Kelly and her husband began selling stock. Sprecher sold 24,752 shares or $2,295,000 worth. Kelly Loeffler sold 17,693 shares for $1,632,886. The sales were at approximately $92.72 per share.
Was it a coincidence Kelly and her husband filed the 10b5-1 immediately after the White House briefing? Could be? But highly unlikely. On February 26th the world was just learning about the CoVid19 outbreak in China. On January 24th, the market was at approximately 28,989. On February 20, the market was at 29,220. So the public still didn’t know they should be worried and start taking some of their profits off the table. The economy was still soaring because we didn’t know what Kelly and her husband now knew. On February 26th the first day they could sell, Kelly Loeffler and her husband the Owner of the NYSE, began selling under their 10b5-1. A stroke of luck or genius? Or just a coincidence? But they had only just begun.
Then on March 10th possibly to help bolster the market in advance of selling hundreds of thousands of additional shares, and after several additional closed-door White House briefings that now even included the NIH director and the head of the CDC, Kelly Loeffler produced a video saying she was confident “that the Nation will have all the medical testing we need” and everything was under control. After going public to assuage any fears the common investor might have, the market closed at 25,018. The very next day, again, what foresight, Jeffrey and Kelly made the following sales of ICE stock. All of these transactions were on March 11th.
Jeffrey Craig Sprecher is an American businessman, and the founder, chairman, and CEO of Intercontinental Exchange, and chairman of the New York Stock Exchange.
23,854 shares at 87.65 – These shares were owned by Continental Power Exchange (CPEX) which is 100% Owned by Jeffrey Sprecher
19,700 shares at 87.88 – owned by Kelly Loeffler
1,321 shares at 89.12 – owned by CPEX
37,024 shares at 86.59 – owned by CPEX
35,486 shares at 86.48 owned by Kelly Loeffler (notice price keeps dropping as they are dumping)
27,448 shares at 88.60 – owned by CPEX
11,914 shares at 88.74 – owned by Kelly Loeffler
10,353 shares at 86.30 owned by CPEX
7,900 shares at 85.51 – owned by Kelly Loeffler
The market closed March 11th around 23,552. The next day the market opened at 23,552 and immediately was halted for 15 minutes and then dropped 2100 points. It closed at 21,200. What a coincidence. How did Kelly Loeffler know to sell over $15 million dollars of stock in their own company THE DAY BEFORE while the rest of the country was being told everything is OK.
Kelly Loeffler has clearly violated the Public Trust and should immediately resign. Governor Kemp is inundated with trying to keep the State afloat at the moment, but certainly he will ask for her resignation when he realizes what she has done on her own behalf.
Did Brian Kemp and Kelly Loeffler have a deal for the Senate seat?
Georgia Receives SBA Statewide Disaster Declaration, applications open
News, State & National March 19, 2020
Atlanta, GA – On March 18, Governor Brian P. Kemp announced that Georgia has received an official statewide disaster declaration from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). This declaration will provide assistance in the form of SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans to impacted small businesses in all 159 counties in Georgia.
“This is great news for Georgia small business owners,” said Governor Kemp. “As we continue to navigate the impact of COVID-19 on our economy, small business owners can apply for much-needed funding to continue operation and pay their employees. My thanks to the Trump Administration for their swift action to protect small business owners throughout the country.”
The application is now live, and Georgia small business owners can go directly to the SBA for assistance. Small business owners should visit www.disasterloan.sba.gov for information and the application.
Loans are available for small business and non-profit organizations. While terms will be established on a case-by-case basis, many will have a thirty-year repayment term with first payments not due for up to twelve months. Businesses should expect to provide a tax transcript, financial statements, and a profit and loss statement. Interest rates will range from 2.75% to 3.75%.
For more information, concerning Kemp’s action’s during COVID-19, click here.
Public K-12 and Secondary Schools closed March 18 to 31
Announcements, Featured, Featured Stories, State & National March 16, 2020
Atlanta, GA – In accordance with newly issued federal guidance, Governor Brian P. Kemp signed Executive Order 3.16.20.01 closing all public elementary, secondary, and post-secondary public schools in Georgia from March 18, 2020, to March 31, 2020.
“To keep our students, teachers, and administrators safe and mitigate the spread of COVID-19, I am ordering the closure of all public elementary, secondary, and post-secondary schools in Georgia from March 18, 2020, to March 31, 2020,” said Governor Kemp. “This measure is critical to reducing local transmission in communities across our state, and I ask Georgians to continue to follow best practices – washing their hands regularly, isolating the elderly and chronically ill, and avoiding large events if possible – in the days and weeks ahead.”
For updates on COVID-19, follow @GeorgiaEMA, @GaDPH and @GovKemp on Twitter and @GEMA.OHS, @GaDPH and @GovKemp on Facebook. For more information, visit the DPH’s coronavirus webpage at https://dph.georgia.gov/