Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms made public the City’s ongoing preparations to any potential health threats posed by Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19).

“The full efforts of the City are invested in the urgent and deliberate coordinated response with federal and state partners this health threat demands,” said Mayor Bottoms. “City officials—including those appointed to the Governor’s Coronavirus Task Force—are working in concert to ensure the well-being of the people of Atlanta. Further, information and additional resources have been posted to the City’s website. Atlanta residents should be safe and protect themselves and their loved ones.”

Last month, under the direction of Mayor Bottoms, the Mayor’s Pandemic Coordination Team was created to lead the City’s strategic plan to ensure minimal impact to the City of Atlanta in the case of a COVID-19 pandemic. The team is led by the City’s Chief Health Officer, Dr. Angelica Geter Fugerson, and the City’s Director of Emergency Preparedness and former FBI Special Agent, Felipe den Brok. The Work Group is an inter-departmental effort with the mission of ensuring City operations continuity and public safety readiness.

In January, efforts were implemented directing the City’s Department of Enterprise Assets Management (DEAM) to work with their janitorial team to conduct continuous sanitizing and cleaning of all entry points and touch points (handrails, door knobs, etc.) throughout City facilities for the health and wellbeing of employees and visitors.

The City has also posted prevention information and additional resources related to COVID-19 on its website here.

Chief among the City’s guidance to residents and visitors are the following preventative measures:

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Stay home when you are sick.

Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

If you have recently returned from a country with ongoing COVID-19 infections monitor your health and follow the instructions of public health officials