Senator tests positive for coronavirus, Athens lawmakers self-quarantine

State Senators Bill Cowsert and Frank Ginn, Republicans who represent Athens in the Georgia legislature, are, along with the rest of their Senate colleagues, self-quarantining and checking for symptoms of coronavirus: this, after another Senator—Alpharetta Republican Brandon Beach (pictured above)—tested positive for COVID 19. 

A staffer in the University of Georgia Athletic Department is hospitalized with coronavirus and another is self-quarantined: the unidentified UGA worker says he last had contact with co-workers on March 6.

The University of Georgia says a staff member in the UGA Law Library is self-quarantining with symptoms until tested for coronavirus.

Athens Transit announces coronavirus-related changes to the Athens Bus schedule: City Hall says buses will be running on a weekend schedule seven days a week until further notice. Bus rides are now free to all passengers. 

The Clarke County School District says its medical resources are available to students and staff, even with Clarke County Schools closed until at least the end of the month: services are available at the Hilsman Health Center on Gaines School Road in Athens.

Add the April bicycle races to the list of events that won’t happen this year in Athens: organizers of the Athens Twilight Criterium races say next month’s scheduled event is another casualty of COVID 19.

Solid waste collection in Oconee County are under quarantine after possible contact with COVID-19. Officials in Watkinsville say the Macon Highway and Mars Hills/Jimmy Daniel Collection sites will be closed until April 1. All sites will undergo deep cleaning and sanitization.

Madison County says government offices in Danielsville will be closed through at least April 13.

The Madison County Food Bank is still open, but only an appointment basis: the facility in Danielsville will only be open on Wednesday. 

Schools in Jackson and Barrow counties have extended their coronavirus-imposed closure through at least April 13. Governor Brian Kemp earlier this week ordered all public schools in Georgia to remain closed through the end of March.