Cities pivot on 2020 Census campaign
Restaurants still operating forced to lay off staff
► PAGE 4
► PAGE 12
A p r i l 2 , 2 0 2 0 | T h e C r i e r. n e t | A n A p p e n M e d i a G r o u p P u b l i c a t i o n | S e r v i n g t h e c o m m u n i t y s i n c e 1 9 7 6
Area hospitals continue preparations for coronavirus patients By PATRICK FOX pat@appenmediagroup.com METRO ATLANTA, Ga. — Now more than three weeks into the coronavirus spread in Georgia, area hospitals are beginning to see greater numbers of patients, according to state health officials. All three hospitals with operations in North Fulton and Forsyth County — Northside, Emory and WellStar — have adjusted scheduling for elective surgery to accommodate a greater patient load due to the illness that is sweeping the country. Emory Hospital reported last week a steady increase in COVID-19 patients as
the number of confirmed cases in Fulton County surpassed 300. A spokeswoman for WellStar said their 11 hospitals are also experiencing increased patient volume. “As a precautionary measure, we have erected tents at some of our locations, including WellStar North Fulton Hospital, to serve as a temporary extension of our emergency department,” she said. While coronavirus testing is available at hospitals and through private physicians, most are limiting the tests to those with confirmed symptoms, those over 60 and people with chronic medical conditions that would be susceptible to
the virus. Wellstar officials said they have an online assessment tool that helps evaluate potential COVID-19-related illness. It also provides links to relevant resources and information, and suggests a next course of action, such as contacting a health provider or, for those who may not need in-person medical care, safely managing symptoms at home. Hospitals receiving assistance On Friday, Southern Baptist compassion ministry, Send Relief, mobilized at its resources to distribute some 20,000 N-95 masks and 25,000 protective suits
to local hospitals and healthcare facilities identified by the Georgia Hospital Association as those in need. Trucks assembled at the charity’s headquarters in Alpharetta Friday morning to begin the delivery. Hospital bed capacity remains a concern, not immediately, but potentially down the road, said Dr. David Holland, chief clinical officer for the Fulton County Board of Health. “What’s been reported to me by the staffs is that things are beginning to fill up,” he said. “We are not in a critical situation yet, but we are moving in that
See HOSPITALS, Page 2
‘Everything Will Be OK’ takes off amid national pandemic Yard signs help fund local artists in need By CARSON COOK carson@appenmediagroup.com DUNWOODY, Ga. — As Dunwoody residents drive or walk around town these days, they may see the city’s unofficial motto, “Everything Will Be OK,” pop up in new places. The Spruill Center for the Arts, in partnership with Create Dunwoody and Custom Signs Today, is selling yard signs of the iconic mural, with proceeds going to help artists impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The idea came from the minds of the Spruill Center’s new CEO Alan Mothner and Custom Signs Owner Heyward Wescott. Mothner said he ran into his
friend on a run, and their conversation turned to how the “Everything Will Be OK” phrase and image had become a message of hope in the face of a pandemic. “We had the idea: What if we replicated the message in yard signs so people could bring that message home with them and at the same do some good in the community and raise some money?” Mothner said. Mothner credited Create Dunwoody President Lorna Sherwinter for making the initiative possible. Signs can be purchased through createdunwoody.org for $20. For each sale, $15 will go to a fund established by Create Dunwoody to help artists. Artists can apply for assistance at the same website. “Artists aren’t able to work right now
See SIGNS, Page 2
LOVE HOME!
CARSON COOK/CRIER
The “Everything Will Be OK” mural is displayed on the Smokehouse at the Spruill Gallery.
CAROLE SHORT TOP PRODUCING ATLANTA AGENT
c. 770.364.9328 o. 404.237.5000 caroleshort@atlantafinehomes.com caroleshort.atlantafinehomes.com
CS
CAROLE SHORT REALTOR®
Atlanta Fine Homes, LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each franchise is independently owned and operated.