On Friday, March 13, 2020, Dougherty County’s Board of Commissioners Chairman, Christopher S. Cohilas, declared a State of Emergency in the wake of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) updates from Governor Kemp’s Office, the Department of Public Health (DPH), Southwest District, and Phoebe Putney Health Systems.

The Emergency Operations Command (EOC) Center officially opened today at 8 a.m. and will be open until 5 p.m. The EOC will maintain the 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. schedule throughout this week to serve the citizens of Dougherty County. Updates will be provided each day from the EOC as details develop.

With several cases reported in Dougherty County, citizens have been urged to avoid gatherings of large crowds, as well as practice safe sanitation and take preventative measures to protect themselves. All branches of the Dougherty County Library System officially closed on Sunday, March 15th, with plans to reopen on April 6th. Many businesses in the county and region are closing or adjusting hours to keep employees and the community safe.

“The Dougherty County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) is open this week to serve citizens who may have questions about the Coronavirus and to help mitigate any concerns they may have,” said Chief Cedric Scott, Dougherty County Emergency Management Director.

Chairman Cohilas, along with Chief Cedric Scott, Emergency Management Director for Dougherty County, will officially initiate the Coronavirus Task Force, which will be composed of local leaders and stakeholders. The Task Force is designed to bring leaders and all key organizations together to work on behalf of the citizens of Dougherty County and the region.

“We are in constant contact with our local health officials, including the Department of Public Health, Phoebe Putney, as well as the Governor’s office,” said Christopher S. Cohilas, Chairman of the Dougherty County Board of Commissioners. “The initiation of our Coronavirus Task Force will allow us to further keep families safe in Dougherty County and our region.”