We are at a moment in time when numerous conversations around racial injustice in our nation and in our community are happening. Many have acknowledged this is a time for listening, while others have focused on the need for action. Toward both of those ends, the Better Together Advisory Board is soliciting feedback from the Decatur community to better inform city officials about what is needed to improve racial equity in Decatur. We would appreciate if you would answer the survey questions and complete the demographic information.
The deadline to submit feedback is Monday, Aug. 31 at 5 p.m. https://www.opentownhall.com/portals/49/Issue_9218
The following information comes from the DeKalb County Board of Health:
The DeKalb County Board of Health has trapped West Nile virus positive mosquitoes at 3 locations in the county – Brookhaven, Chamblee and the Redan area of unincorporated DeKalb County.
Due to COVID-19, the Board of Health will not perform its usual door-to-door canvas of the affected areas. Larvacide application in low-lying areas and storm drains around the positive trap areas has already taken place, due to the high number of mosquitoes already collected from the traps.
To date this year, there have been no human cases of West Nile virus infection confirmed in DeKalb County.
According to the CDC, no data or scientific evidence suggests that COVID-19 or other similar coronaviruses are spread by mosquitoes.
To reduce the spread of West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne diseases, the Board of Health conducts a comprehensive mosquito control program. Throughout the county, technicians routinely trap mosquitoes that are tested for viruses. They also work with residents to eliminate infestations. Measures include placing larvicide in areas with standing water, like in storm drains. This keeps young mosquitoes from becoming flying, biting adults.
The Board of Health advises people to take the following precautions:
Reduce mosquito breeding in your yard by eliminating standing water in gutters and items such as planters, toys, wheelbarrows and old tires.
Discourage mosquitoes from resting in your yard by trimming tall grass, weeds and vines.
Reduce outdoor exposure at dawn and dusk, when the mosquitoes that transmit West Nile virus are most active.
Wear a long-sleeved shirt, long pants and socks when outdoors, particularly at dawn and dusk and in areas with large numbers of mosquitoes.
Make sure window and door screens fit tightly to keep out mosquitoes.
Use an insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535. Apply according to label instructions.
Spray clothing with products containing permethrin according to label instructions.
For more information about the West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne illnesses, contact the DeKalb County Board of Health’s Environmental Health division at (404) 508-7900 or visit the DeKalb County Board of Health’s website.
If you’ve had your eye on the City of Decatur logo mask, you can now get yours and more from the Decatur Visitors Center Store! Visit www.decaturmerch.com for various masks, shirts, and other Decatur pride gifts and apparel. Hurry, items are going fast. Order yours for pickup today.
The City of Decatur Fire Department have mask on hand for community members in need of one. Mask are available on a first come first serve basis and limited to one mask per person. Stop by Fire Station One at 230 E. Trinity Place any day before 8 p.m. and ring the doorbell for someone to come out to meet you. #MaskUpDecatur
While times are still uncertain, Mayor Patti Garrett provides community updates on current City services and how we can work together to effectively flatten our curve.
If you are a Decatur resident age 60 or older and in need of a face mask, please contact Lee Ann Harvey, Lifelong Community Manager, at leeann.harvey@decaturga.com or call her cell 770-652-8593 to arrange delivery of the mask.
Please pass this information along to your neighbors, especially those who do not have internet access.
The City of Decatur’s Design Environment and Construction Division (DEC) is announcing that there will be a temporary road closure for Winn Way on July 18-19.
A portion of Winn Way near N. Arcadia will be closed on Saturday, July 18 from 6 a.m. through 11 p.m. on Sunday, July 19. The purpose of the closure is to enable the construction of a road safety feature in the street. The contractor, YLI Construction Co., will set up detour signs in the area.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact DEC Director John Maximuk at 678-710-5165 or John.Maximuk@decaturga.com. The on-site point of contact for YLH Construction Co. is Project Manager Wesley Stubblefield at 770-900-2042.
We are at a moment in time when numerous conversations around racial injustice in our nation and in our community are happening. Many have acknowledged this is a time for listening, while others have focused on the need for action. Toward both of those ends, the Better Together Advisory Board is soliciting feedback from the Decatur community to better inform city officials about what is needed to improve racial equity in Decatur. We would appreciate if you would answer the survey questions and complete the demographic information.
The City of Decatur is the seat of DeKalb County, where infection and deaths from COVID-19 continue to increase. In an effort to reduce the community spread of COVID-19, we hope to achieve the comprehensive use of masks and facial coverings through voluntary compliance. The Decatur City Commission encourages you to #MaskUpDecatur.
Except for limited exceptions, all persons entering a business, a store or a non-profit that provides goods or services must wear a mask or facial covering while inside the establishment. All such establishments must require their employees to wear a mask or facial covering at all times while having face-to-face interaction with the public.
Consistent with other cities’ approach, the Decatur ordinance does not require the wearing of masks or facial coverings in all outdoor public places. However, all are strongly encouraged to wear a mask in outdoor environments throughout the City where adequate social distancing cannot be maintained (i.e., at least six feet away from others not in the same household). #StaySafeDecatur
The Decatur City Commission has unanimously approved a local ordinance requiring individuals to wear masks and protective coverings during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ordinance O-20-09 was adopted during a special called meeting on Friday morning, July 10, 2020. The ordinance is effective starting at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 11, and will remain in place until midnight on August 17, 2020, or until it is extended, rescinded, or amended by the City Commission.
The purpose of the ordinance is to help prevent infection by reducing the community spread of COVID-19, a highly contagious and dangerous disease.
The City hopes to achieve the comprehensive use of masks and facial coverings through voluntary compliance. Complimentary masks will be provided to individuals who need them, along with an explanation of the critical need for masks to be worn during the pandemic. Verbal and written warnings will be given as necessary. However, there are civil penalties provided for in the ordinance, starting at limits of $25 for the first offense, $50 for the second offense and $100 for the third and successive offenses.
Visit decaturga.com/covid19 to view the ordinance in its entirety. #StaySafeDecatur
