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Macon-Bibb Giving Free Face Masks and Gloves to Public

Staff Report

Friday, August 14th, 2020

On Monday, August 10 Macon-Bibb County – through the Emergency Management Agency (EMA) and Recreation Department – passed out nearly 10,000 trifold surgical masks to help slow the spread of COVID-19 and protect Middle Georgia. Most of them had been given out before noon on Monday. EMA worked throughout the afternoon to get 20,000 more masks to the recreation centers and 10,000 gloves so distribution can continue Tuesday.

The masks and gloves will be available FREE to the public Tuesday through Thursday between 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. (or until supplies run out) at the recreation centers listed below, and each person will be provided up to 10 masks and five pairs of gloves.

Elaine H. Lucas Senior Center (132 Willie Smokie Glover Drive)

Theron Ussery Recreation Center (815 North Macon Park Drive)

Delores A. Brooks Recreation Center (3326 Ocmulgee East Boulevard)

Rosa Jackson Recreation Center (1211 Maynard Street)

Frank Johnson Recreation Center (2227 Mercer University Drive)

Freedom Park (3301 Roff Avenue)

L.H. Williams Recreation Center (325 Pursley Street)

Memorial Gym (763 Long Street)

Gilead/Bloomfield Recreation Center (1931 Rocky Creek Road)

South Bibb Recreation Center (7035 Houston Road)

We knew there was a need in our community for people to get masks, but we couldn’t foresee how quickly they would be distributed,” says Recreation Department Director Robert Walker. “To be able to support people in such a huge way during these unprecedented and challenging times is a great feeling, and we’re glad we can keep going Tuesday.”
 
“We all need to do our part to protect Middle Georgia, and that includes wearing a mask when around people,” says EMA Director Spencer Hawkins. “We are joining efforts by local organizations like the Health Department and United Way to make as many people as possible in Macon-Bibb have the supplies they need to stay safe…and keep others safe.”
 
In addition to the masks being provided to the public, each Macon-Bibb County employee will be receiving two reusable cloth masks. Distribution of those masks began last week with the Sheriff’s Office, Fire Department, and Public Works Department getting the first ones.
 
Macon-Bibb and public health officials have asked people to help protect Middle Georgia by slowing the spread of COVID-19 by following ALL guidelines from the CDC guidelines, including:

  • Wearing a cloth face covering over your nose and mouth, when practical;

  • Monitor your health daily and get tested if you show symptoms or believe you’ve come in contact with someone who has tested positive;

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds;

  • Avoid close contact with people, meaning at least six feet away;

  • Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze; and

  • Clean and disinfect surfaces.

Macon-Bibb has taken multiple steps to modify its services and access – and asked the public to take steps – to protect the health of the entire community. For an updated list of changes, visit www.maconbibb.us/covid19. General measures include:

  • Masks are strongly encouraged for employees and citizens for entry into County buildings;

  • Government buildings are closed to public walk-ins, and all meetings should be held by appointment;

  • Outdoor work crews will be limited to the smallest number of people and masks should be worn during shifts;

  • Park pavilions, sports fields, basketball courts, and playgrounds will be closed;

  • Reservations for facilities will be cancelled on a month-by-month basis beginning July 26;

  • Open spaces – including trails and parks – will remain open since people can be socially distant;

  • Departments and offices will implement telework and staggered schedules;

  • Plexiglass barriers being installed at desks for people that interact with the public;

  • Ending the issuance of new Special Event permits;

  • Employees traveling home from areas with severe outbreaks will stay home; and

  • Increasing cleaning of public park bathrooms.