Photograph by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
On Tuesday, school systems discussed plans for the fall. Here’s your Wednesday morning update:
• As of publication time, a total of 44,275 COVID-19 cases have been confirmed in Georgia. 1,899 people have died. 518,591 tests (virus and antibody) have been conducted. A total of 7,647 of those tested were hospitalized at the time. [GA Dept. of Public Health]
• As the school year ends, some school systems are looking at ways to keep students in need fed during the summer. Atlanta Public Schools will distribute 60,000 meals in June to students who participate in Horizons, Breakthrough, or the Boys and Girls Club. Marietta City Schools will offer free breakfast and lunch to any child under 18, with pickup available at nine different locations. The program will run through the end of July. [11 Alive/AJC]
• Meanwhile in the world of higher ed, the University System of Georgia is looking at multiple scenarios: in-person classes with social distancing, fully online classes, or online classes for some of the year. For in-person classes, 11 Alive reports, the system is looking at having a staggered return to campus. And even with online classes, students may be allowed to return to residence halls. You can read the full planning document here. [11 Alive]
• Cobb County commissioners voted to distribute $50 million in federal COVID-19 aid to small businesses in the county. Businesses with less than 100 full-time employees will be eligible to apply for a cash grant. [AJC]
• If you’re looking for an interesting data dashboard to examine, the New York Times is tracking COVID-19 cases internationally. Here is their Georgia dashboard, which has some fairly interesting metrics, including how fast or slow the case growth rate is over time and looking at cases by share of population. For example, in Fulton County, about 1 in every 242 people has tested positive for COVID-19. 1 in 4,889 has died from COVID-19. [NYT]
• When will movies and TV shows start filming again? Pinewood Atlanta Studios president Frank Patterson is guessing sometime in the fall, at least for his studio, WABE reports. The state film office last week issued an 11-page guideline booklet for those in the industry, which includes recommendations such as reducing the amount of extras used, axing fruit or snack bowls from craft services, and holding remote casting calls. Tyler Perry Studios is set to resume production on two TV series in early July, where actors and crew will be tested upon arrival and multiple times during the planned two-and-a-half week shoot. [WABE/GA Film Office/Variety]
• Six Flags continues to prepare for an eventual re-opening, releasing new safety guidelines for visitors. All patrons over the age of 2 will be required to wear a mask at all times, with the exception of some areas in the water park. Visitors and employees will have their temperature taken before entry and social distancing will be required throughout the park, with markers placed in line areas and rows blocked off on rides to keep distance between riders. The park will also operate at a lower capacity. The park has not yet set a date for re-opening. You can read the full guidelines here. [Six Flags]
• The Trap Music Museum is set to re-open on June 5, with all patrons required to wear masks and temperature checks required before entry. [11 Alive]
• The High Museum of Art has announced it will re-open for High members and frontline workers on July 7 and to the public on July 17. [AJC]
