This new video series from 229 Life is called We Live Here. It’s made to feature people who make up the fabric of South Georgia as we know it and showcase them in ways you may not have thought of. Our first guest on this series is Lara Lyn Carter, an Emmy-winning television chef and mom bringing Southern elegance and healthy recipes to the modern kitchen.
Lara Lyn Carter is a native of South Georgia and has a self-taught knack for delivering clean-eating recipes that don’t forget the flavor. Her book of recipes, Skinny Southern, is a hallmark of this feat. The book shares 90 reinvented classics without the guilt. Get the book HERE.
You’ll notice the format of this video and some others are in a video chat style. We decided not to delay this series even in the middle of the 2020 pandemic, where South Georgia and Albany particularly has been a hot spot of COVID-19 cases. That’s why it looks this way. We’re so thankful for technology and the internet that allows us to make this possible. We’re also thankful for Lara Lyn Carter taking time to do this interview with us.
Future episodes of the We Live Here series will feature South Georgia leaders, influencers, and business owners. If you like this video or just want to support 229 Life in general, subscribe to our YouTube channel! This lets you have access to our latest videos as soon as they are available.
What are your thoughts on this new series and who do you think should be featured next? You may have thought of somebody that we haven’t. Let us know in the comments below.
Looking at Georgia’s statewide shelter in place order
Some cities and municipalities were already under a shelter in place order to help combat the spread of COVID-19. How does Georgia’s statewide shelter in place order change things? We’re digging into the guidelines, answers, and enforcement.
Gov. Brian Kemp implemented a statewide shelter in place executive order to help stop the spread of COVID-19. It went into effect on April 3, 2020 at 6 pm and runs through 11:59 pm April 13, 2020.
The order requires all Georgia residents to stay in their homes unless engaging in essential work or activities, like purchasing food or supplies. It also urges every Georgia resident to practice social distancing, and restricts gatherings of more than 10 people at a time.
Looking at the differences
For those already under a local shelter in place order, the change does change much. But it does add some restrictions and allows for enforcement.
The order, while sweeping, did allow for a “reasonable time” that businesses would be able to either adjust to the new rules or close for the period.
Businesses forced to close or remove in-person operations
Bars
Nightclubs
Gyms
Fitness centers
Bowling allies
Theaters
Live performance venues
Operators of amusement parks
Dine-in services at restaurants and social clubs *(see exceptions)
Estheticians
Hair designers
Body art studios (tattoo parlors)
Beauty shops and salons (including in-home)
Barber shops
Cosmetology schools
Hair design schools
Barbering schools
Esthetics schools
Nail care schools
Licensed massage therapists
*Exceptions for dine-in services: Take-out, curbside pickup, delivery, and dine-in services at hospitals, healthcare facilities, nursing homes, or other long-term care facilities
Two categories for defining businesses
The Governor’s order splits all other Georgia businesses not in the list above into two categories. Each one has individual requirements necessary to comply. The categories are critical infrastructure and non-critical infrastructure.
Critical infrastructure: defined
Critical infrastructure means a business, establishments, non-profit corporations, and organizations as defined by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security as “essential critical infrastructure workforce.” These are suppliers that provide essential goods and services, for the critical infrastructure workforce as well as entities that provide legal services, home hospice, and non-profit corporations or non-profit organizations that offer food distribution or other health or mental health services.
These businesses and organizations must meet 16 listed requirements to be able to continue in-person operations.
Non-critical infrastructure: defined
All other businesses that have not been closed due to the order, are considered non-critical infrastructure. They must follow the social distancing rule, only perform minimum basic operations, and meet the listed 20 requirements to stay open.
Individuals and families
The executive order for Georgia individuals and families to shelter in place heavily leans on one basic rule, as follows: All residents and visitors of Georgia are required to shelter in place in their residences for the duration of the time period with the exceptions noted below. “Shelter in place” means remaining in their residences and taking every possible precaution to limit social interaction to prevent the spread or infection of COVID-19.
Exceptions for individuals and families
Residents or visitors in Georgia are not required to shelter in place if they are:
Engaging in essencial services
Working in critical infrastructure
Engaging in minimum basic operations
Performing necessary travel
What does necessary travel mean?
Governor Kemp’s statewide order defines necessary travel as the travel required for someone to conduct or participate in essential services, minimum basic operations, or work for critical infrastructure.
What does essential services mean?
Here’s what the order says: Essential services means obtaining necessary supplies for your household, activities for the health and safety of your household, outdoor exercise so long as you have at least six feet between people who do not live in your household.
This means you can go to the grocery store, medical appointments, and the pharmacy. You can go pick up food or have food delivered to your home. You can leave to buy supplies to clean or maintain your home. You can go outside to exercise. It’s also okay to leave your house in an emergency.
Governor Kemp’s statewide order summarized the key takeaway for individuals and families as this: You need to stay in your home as much as possible, but there are circumstances when you may need to leave. Keep those circumstances rare, consolidate trips as much as possible, and use take-out, curbside pickup, and delivery services whenever possible to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Enforcement of the order
This is what the Georgia shelter in place order says about violations and enforcement: If you violate any of the terms of the order, you are committing a misdemeanor, which is a crime in the state of Georgia. Here’s an example. If you are not sheltering in place and none of the four exceptions for essential services, minimum basic operations, critical infrastructure, or necessary travel applies to your activities, you will receive a warning from law enforcement and risk facing criminal charges if you fail to comply.
More questions and answers:
Q: Do I need a letter to prove that I can keep working?
No. You do not need a letter from your employer or the government to prove that you fall into one of the exceptions for essential services, necessary travel, critical infrastructure, or minimum basic operations.
Q: What does the order mean for church services and funeral services?
No business, establishment, for-profit or non-profit corporation, organization, or county or municipal government is allowed to have more than 10 people gathering in a single location unless there is at least six feet between each person at all times. This rule applies to church services and funeral services.
Q: Can I go to state parks or play sports outside like golf?
Yes. You can visit state parks and play sports outside, including golf, subject to certain restrictions. Gatherings of more than 10 people are banned unless there is at least six feet between each person at all times. If people congregate in certain areas of a state park or golf course, for example, law enforcement will warn them to disband. If they fail to comply, they may face criminal charges.
Hey everyone, thanks for reading this. We appreciate it and hope this has been helpful to you. In addition, we hope you can use it to help do your part to fight the spread of COVID-19.
Have your own question or comment? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.
The density of coronavirus cases in metropolitan areas is becoming more clear as new data arrives from around the world. 229 Life focuses on South Georgia, and the COVID-19 cases per 1,000 in Albany are a new rising data point.
Let’s take a look at the numbers
Albany, Georgia was fourth on a recent New York Times list of metro areas with confirmed cases per 1,000 people. Four days later, the numbers everywhere increased and so did the rankings. Here are the numbers as of 11pm Eastern Time on March 31, 2020 (with the exception of data from China, which for this article is as of March 27, 2020).
Albany, Georgia’s confirmed coronavirus cases per 1,000 has reached a new high in the United States.
Confirmed Coronavirus Cases Per 1,000 People
LOCATION
POPULATION
CASES
PER 1,000
City of Wuhan, China
11.1 million
50,821
4.59
Lombardy region, Italy
10 million
43,208
4.32
Albany, Georgia
153,000
628
4.1
New York City
20 million
43,139
2.16
New Orleans, Louisiana
1.3 million
1,834
1.41
Seattle, Washington
3.9 million
3,229
0.82
As of March 31, 2020; included top metro areas for reference and comparison.
Let’s go past the numbers
These are numbers from metropolitan areas, instead of cities or counties. It’s a slice of the data that can provide insight for actual communities of people, instead of square miles and state lines.
The Albany, Georgia metropolitan area includes nearby cities and towns in Dougherty, Terrell, Lee, Worth, and Baker Counties.
Our table isn’t unique, but provides a fresh look at what South Georgia communities and healthcare systems are dealing with compared to the rest of the nation. This is important to note as larger areas generally have greater healthcare resources.
One thing our table doesn’t show is separation between the total confirmed cases and active ones. As of March 31, 2020, Georgia had 4,117 confirmed cases of coronavirus and recorded 125 deaths due to the disease.
The data in this article is based on information from local and state agencies in the United States as well as the Italy Ministry of Health and The New York Times in their reporting of coronavirus cases in Wuhan, China. You can explore the raw data from agencies and original reporting from The New York Times in the links below. 229 Life is not affiliated with any local or state agency and is not affiliated with The New York Times.
The City of Albany issued a shelter-in-place order at 6pm Sunday, March 22 that goes until at least midnight on April 7, 2020. The order places additional restrictions on area businesses and people. But what does that mean for you and me? We’re digging into this for better understanding.
This escalated order places additional restrictions on area businesses, as well as those who have either tested positive for COVID-19 and are recovering at home or those who are awaiting test results to adhere to the self-quarantine rule. Anyone recovering at Phoebe Putney Hospital will be given an official signed copy of the order when they are released.
Essential business examples please!
According to the order, shelter in place discourages all non-essential travel through the community and in and out of the community. It does not apply to those traveling to work in an essential business or essential government function, listed below.
Health care operations
Home health workers
Housing construction
Public transportation
Utilities
Grocery stores
Farmers markets
Food banks
Convenience stores
Shelter facilities
Pharmacies
Healthcare supply stores
Healthcare facilities
Gas stations
Auto repair shops
Banks
These are the examples given by the City of Albany and is not an exhaustive list. If you work or operate in a similar function or business listed above, this order may not apply to you.
How can I make sure I’m complying?
Great question. Let’s take a look. People who live in Albany and Dougherty County need to stay home. If you’re using shared or outdoor spaces, keep at least 6 feet away from any other person when they are outside of their home (read: social distancing).
Anyone can leave their home, as long as it is for essential activities or to operate essential businesses, or to perform essential government functions, referenced above.
What about homeless people?
This is an important consideration for the City of Albany and Dougherty County. The order says people who are homeless are exempt from the provision of staying home, but are strongly asked to find a place to stay. Homeless people are not exempt from the social distancing rule, and must stay at least 6 feet away from others as well.
I have a business not on the list. What can I do?
The order says all businesses with a presence in Dougherty County, with the exception of essential businesses listed above, are required to cease all activities at facilities within the county except minimum basic operations.
What is considered minimum basic operations?
Minimum basic operations are the minimum necessary activities to maintain the value of the business’s inventory, ensure security, process payroll, and employee benefits, or other similar functions.
What about running a business or working from home?
The order thankfully addresses this. It says businesses may continue operations exclusively of employees or contractors performing activities at their own home.
My party/birthday/etc. is coming up. What can I do?
In the opinion of this author, postpone it. That’s the best way to help fight the disease and help others from getting sick. As for the order itself, public and private gatherings of more than 10 people outside a residence are prohibited. For clarity, nothing in the order prohibits the gathering of people who live in the same home.
Let’s talk about travel
According to the order, all travel with the exception of essential activities and essential travel is prohibited. If you are using public transit, it can only be for essential activities or to go to and from work or essential government functions. People riding on public transit must comply with social distancing requirements, to the greatest extent feasible. Finally, this order allows travel into or out of the county to perform essential activities, operate essential business, or maintain essential government functions.
What about outdoor exercise? Can I go for a walk?
It’s important to note The White House coronavirus guidelines for avoiding “discretionary travel, shopping trips, or social visits” does not include outdoor exercise. This Albany order also does not include outdoor exercise. In fact, the CDC coronavirus guidelines encourage outdoor activities at home, especially for children, while practicing social distancing.
What are the specifics for social distancing?
Social distancing means maintaining a minimum distance of six (6) feet from other individuals, washing hands with soap and water for at least twenty (20) seconds as frequently as possible or using hand sanitizer. It means covering coughs or sneezes (into the sleeve or elbow, not hands), regularly cleaning high-tough surfaces, and not shaking hands.
Shelter In Place Order: Questions and Answers
We’ve covered a lot here, and there still may be questions that you have concerning the shelter in place order from The City of Albany and Dougherty County. Below are some frequently asked questions and answers from the order for further clarity.
When does the order go into effect?
The order goes into effect at 6 p.m. Sunday, March 22, 2020.
How long does the order last?
The order is in effect through 11:59 p.m. on April 7 2020, unless it is extended, rescinded, superseded, or amended by the Mayor of Albany and the Chairman of the Dougherty County Commission.
Will grocery stores remain open?
Yes, grocery stores may remain open and are not to exceed 50 percent occupancy at any given time. Persons are to observe social distancing and are not to be within six feet of one another for extended periods of time.
Will retailers and shopping centers have to close?
The order defines “essential businesses” and also essential business operations. Businesses are expected to follow the order, which can be found at dougherty.ga.us under the News & Events/Public Notices section. Persons are not to be within six feet of one another at all times.
Can my “non-essential” retail businesses continue to offer curb-side/pickup/delivery of goods, even if considered non-essential?
Businesses outside of the “essential” category may provide goods via curb-side/pickup/drive through. All social distancing guidelines should be followed.
Can production facilities and distribution centers stay open?
Yes, production facilities and distribution centers may remain open, so long as social distancing guidelines of six feet are followed. Workers may travel to and from work.
Are information technology and related businesses considered essential?
Yes, information technology businesses are considered “essential infrastructure” and may continue to provide essential business services. Social distancing guidelines are to be followed.
Are plumbers, electricians, mechanics and similar trades considered essential?
Yes, these are considered “essential businesses” as defined by the order.
If my restaurant/bar/gym limits access to 10 members or less at a time, does it have to close?
Restaurants are prohibited from providing service in their dining rooms. Restaurants may continue to provide drive through, pick up/curbside and delivery services. Bars, Nightclubs and other similar establishments are closed. Gyms and other similar businesses fall under the temporary closure order. All businesses which possess a license to sell alcoholic beverages for off-premises consumption, but only via drive thru or in parking lots or at curb.
I’m an Albany State University student. Can I get my belongings from my dorm?
No. Childcare facilities are not included in this order but should maintain social distancing.
Does my church have to cancel in-person service?
Yes. However, virtual worship services are highly encouraged during this time of crisis in our community.
Can we still hold funeral services?
Yes, as long as indoor attendance is limited to less than 10 persons and social distancing is observed. Outdoor/graveside services are encouraged.
My hotel has a restaurant and/or continental breakfast buffet. Should that be closed?
Yes. Food should be delivered to rooms or picked up to-go during the effective period of the order.
Can my food truck remain operational?
Food trucks and mobile food operations may remain open so long as all social distancing guidelines are followed and the method of service is pick-up, take out, delivery only. Patrons are encouraged to remain in their vehicles until such a time as they must order or their food is prepared.
Are beauty and barber shops and nail salons allowed to stay open?
No. These establishments are expected to follow the order, which can be found at dougherty.ga.us under the News & Events/Public Notices section.
Can employees of businesses not affected by the order still be allowed to come in to work, but remain closed to the public?
The order does not require all private businesses to temporarily close.
Can we still maintain our dentist, eye doctor, and medical doctor appointments?
Yes. Hospitals and medical facilities are not included in the Community Gathering definition so long as persons are generally not within 6 feet of one another for extended periods.
Is the animal shelter remaining open?
Animal shelter operations are continuing as normal.
Will there be enforcement and how does that work?
A violation of the shelter in place order is a misdemeanor. If you have a complaint about businesses operating outside of the order or large community gatherings during the effective period, please notify the Emergency Operations Center at (229) 302-1900, seven days a week, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The City and County may use other enforcement tools as allowed by law. To report a potential violation of the order, 229-431-2100 or 229-431-2132.
This was a lot of information to go through. If you have read this far, thank you. We appreciate it and hope this has been helpful to you. In addition, we hope you can use it to help do your part to fight the spread of coronavirus.
Have your own question or comment? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.
Bonus: What you need to know about handwashing from the CDC
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Situation: school is out and the kids are home – but going out isn’t an option. What can you do where you are to stay occupied and still have fun with little ones? Check out this list of fun things to do with kids at home.
First: The basics of fun things to do with kids at home
This list is designed to be a guide for ideas that you can use at home. Some activities require more planning than others. A few of the activities in this list are best completed outside, if possible, such as in a front or back yard. With that said, we hope you enjoy this list of ideas!
Host a dance party
Turn up the music to their favorite tunes and start dancing along with them. Dancing can boost a child’s confidence in participating in public activities.
Introduce them to new music
Your children have their favorite songs, and you have yours. Turn on the radio or your own personal Spotify playlist and let the kids choose their favorite tunes from the lineup.
Build a cushion fort
As long as they can fit, let your kids build a cushion fort out of couch cushions or from a love seat. Being king or queen of the cushions can be a fun way to let children rule their own empire for a bit.
Camping at home
Have your kids help put up a camping tent inside your home or in a back yard. If you don’t have a tent and want to set something up inside, take a bedsheet and put it over chairs for a similar, simple approach.
Prepare a meal together
Have your kids help out while you prepare a meal. Give them simple tasks such as stirring a mix or pouring water into a glass or setting the table. Helping out feels good and can speed up the process.
Host a puppet play
Create a stage or simply hide behind the couch and perform a puppet play for your captive audience. Puppets don’t have to be complicated. You can make your own with simple paper sacks or even your own socks! Pretend you are Jim Henson and let your imagination (and your kids’ imagination) run wild.
Read (and write) poetry
For young children, read nursery rhymes out loud to them, or other poems along with them. For older kids, read some poems and have them try their hand at writing their own. You may discover a new skill!
Make origami
This ancient art form is a favorite of many. Take some time to learn origami methods with your kids. It doesn’t have to be difficult. Many origami methods are quite simple.
Watch your favorite DIY craft videos
Spend some time watching DIY craft videos and then try them out for yourself to see the results. It doesn’t have to be perfect, and in the end you are learning a new skill.
Play board games
If you have them, board games are a classic way to have fun with family while at home. Classic games include Sorry!, Monopoly, Apples to Apples, and more.
Read a book
Discovering a new book or reading a book again is a great way to escape into the world of a story, page by page. Even if you have read a book before, the act of reading helps with vocabulary in children and builds the mind and imagination. What is your favorite book to read?
Draw something
If your kids are complaining of being bored, have them draw something. Even if they say they can’t draw well, give them a goal or target of something to attempt and let them give their best shot. You might be surprised with the results!
Put a puzzle together
Pull a jigsaw puzzle out of the closet and have everyone pitch in to put it together. Make sure it has lots and lots of pieces!
Have a movie night
Stay in and put on your favorite movie – new or old! Introduce your kids to timeless favorites of yours or let them choose what they want to watch. You can even have a discussion afterwards on what everyone thought of the film.
Bubble bath time
Turn ordinary bath time into a fun-filled bubble bath time! For young kids, this can be a fun alternative to the usual cleanup routine. A little goes a long way with bubbles.
Go stargazing
If you live an a rural area or don’t have too much light pollution at your home, take your kids stargazing in the front or back yard an try to point out as many constellations as you can find. Learning star patterns is fun and can also help with directions while hiking or out camping.
Make homemade jewelry
Use dry noodles like macaroni to make jewelry for kids. Pass a thread through them and even paint them if you have paint available. Then let them dry on a sheet. What creative styles can you come up with?
Write a letter
Telephone, email, and video chats are commonplace, but sending a letter through the post is still available. Have your kids write a letter to a loved one far away or even across town. If they can, let them place the stamp on the envelope and seal it for sending.
Search for four-leaf clovers
If you have clover in your yard or garden, see if your kids can find a four-leaf sprout. There aren’t many of them, and it is time-consuming, but they can be found. Good luck!
Build with blocks (or Legos)
If you have building blocks or Legos, pull them out and have your kids construct something new and exciting. Once finished, let them tell you what it is and explain why they made it that way. Using blocks to build is a fun way to learn and extend a child’s creative spirit.
Have a sack race
If your kids are small enough, have an indoor sack race to see who wins. You can substitute pillow cases for sacks if needed. Just make sure there is enough free room for someone to take a safe tumble if they fall down. Safety first!
Play card games
A classic playing card deck has 52 cards and dozens of different games available to be played. Games like Rummy, Speed, War, Hearts, Spades, and many more can provide hours of fun. What are your favorite classic card games?
Host a scavenger hunt
Pick out several items from around your house and hide them, then give your kids a list of clues to find each one! This can be done individually or as a group, and can also be done in your front or back yard.
Play video games
Not everyone has a video game console or games on their computer, so this one is last. But if you do, this can be one way of passing time with your kids while they are at home. Video games do require certain motor skills and many are single player only, so be sure to take turns or play multiplayer games so everyone can take part.
This list isn’t an exhaustive one, but it is made to showcase some of the many ideas you can use for fun things to do with kids at home. Do you have any favorite at-home things to do for family? Let us know in the comments!
