Saturday morning at 8am on WCLK's The Local Take I talk with DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond, who has been connecting with citizens via media campaigns, text messages and more in an effort to stem the rising number of COVID-19 Coronavirus cases in the Metropolitan Atlanta area.
As heard on Jazz 91.9 WCLK, Influencers Killer Mike and Dottie Peoples lend their voices to the effort of reminding people that the pandemic is in full swing and we have to wear masks, wash our hands and distance away from other not in our social pods.
I ask CEO Thurmond who should take the tests that are being dispensed at churches, schools and other locations throughout the county. He explains that we should all get tested. If you have symptoms, if your are over 65, if you're a caregiver, we all need to get tested. He encourages everyone to reach out to the DeKalb Board of Health at 404-294-3700 to find out about testing sites, locations and hours.
We spoke about the higher demand for testing which is increasing the lag time in finding out your status. Thurmond emphasizes that "this killer" COVID-19 is impacting our community disproportionately. As of late April the CDC reported that 80% of those needing hospitalization in Georgia are African-Americans. He also speaks to the fact that we are learning as we go. There isn't a COVID-19 playbook, we are moving and adjusting in real time. What we do know is that:
Everyone needs to wear a mask to protect yourself and others.
Everyone needs to wash their hands frequently with soap for 20 seconds.
Everyone needs to physically distance 6 feet away from others outside of your social pod.
We ended our conversation discussing the return to schools. DeKalb County has determined that remote learning will continue for now.
For more information visit DeKalb County Board of Health COVID19 site. Testing site locations listed below. All locations are providing COVID-19 tests Monday-Friday 10am-3pm.
Beulah Missionary Baptist Church, 2340 Clifton Springs Road
Former K-Mart Parking Lot, 5597 Buford Highway NE
Greater Piney Grove Baptist Church, 1879 Glenwood Avenue SE
Greenforest Community Baptist Church, 3250 Rainbow Drive