Athens and Limestone officials met at Athens City Hall to hold a media briefing on COVID-19

ATHENS-On Monday, April 6, Athens and Limestone officials met at Athens City Hall to hold a media briefing on COVID-19 with updates on city, schools, hospital, county and EMA, as well as how to abide by the state health order and observe Easter.

Highlights:

1,927 cases statewide and 33 of those in Limestone County.

Mayor Marks said that during today’s State Task Force teleconference, Dr. Scott Harris said officials expect hospitalizations to peak between April 15-20. He reiterated for citizens to not look for loopholes in the state health order. Stay home as much as possible.

Athens Supt. Trey Holladay said eLearning is going well, as are the school breakfast/lunch program. Today, school staff distributed 3,300 meals to City and County students.

Athens-Limestone Hospital Dr. Matt Hanserd said the hospital is “preparing for a battle” not knowing if it will be a skirmish or big battle. He said there are three patients in ICU at the hospital with COVID-19, and the average age they are seeing test positive is 49. He reiterated to stay home when possible and to ask yourself if leaving home is “best for my community” and can it wait?

City attorney Shane Black said the state health order will allow churches to observe Easter if they do drive-in services where people stay in their vehicles. Only people from the same household are to be in a vehicle. He said recreation such as walking and biking are allowed under the state health order, but people still need to maintain a distance. Organized sporting events are not allowed, and playgrounds are closed. He added, “Use your God-given Limestone County common sense.”

County Commission Chairman Collin Daly along with Mayor Marks said City and County employees continue to provide essential services to citizens while adhering to COVID-19 protocols. Chairman Daly said the Alabama Veterans Museum has offered the Event Center space for use, if needed, if the hospital sees a surge in patients.

EMA Director Rita White said she continues to work with state on obtaining needed PPE for healthcare professionals and responders.