Politics
Politics

Atlanta mayor spends $1.5 million to isolate virus-infected homeless

Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms speaks at a luncheon at the Atlanta Press Club in Atlanta, Ga., on Tuesday, June 18, 2019. (Casey Sykes for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms speaks at a luncheon at the Atlanta Press Club in Atlanta, Ga., on Tuesday, June 18, 2019. (Casey Sykes for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
By Stephen Deere
April 9, 2020

Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms has ordered that the city spend an additional $1.5 million to test, transport, isolate and shelter homeless people infected with the coronavirus.

In a press release Thursday, the mayor said the money would match a private philanthropic donation to shelter homeless people who have contracted the virus.

“There is a critical need for the Atlanta community to step up to protect and provide for our most vulnerable populations,” Bottoms said in a statement.

Bottoms allocated the money through an executive order, which must be approved by the city council.

About the Author

Stephen Deere covers Atlanta City Hall and Atlanta government.

More Stories

Keep Reading

Georgia has suspended or eliminated aimed at helping families and children in foster care. (Dreamstime/TNS)

Credit: TNS

Georgia cuts programs for foster youth and families citing federal shutdown

Several state programs for families and children in foster care have been suspended or completely eliminated.

Marjorie Taylor Greene’s exit opens new political unknown in Georgia

U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene is walking away from Washington. What comes next for her — and for Georgia politics — is suddenly wide open.

Marjorie Taylor Greene’s path, MAGA powerhouse to sudden resignation announcement

What to know about the rise and resignation of Georgia U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Green.

The Latest

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., arrives to a news conference on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, outside the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. The Rome Republican is leaving Congress in January. (Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP)

Credit: AP

LISTEN

‘Politically Georgia’ special edition: Marjorie Taylor Greene calls it quits

Georgia cuts programs for foster youth and families citing federal shutdown

Marjorie Taylor Greene’s exit opens new political unknown in Georgia

Featured

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., arrives to a news conference on the Epstein Files Transparency Act, Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, outside the U.S. Capitol in Washington. (Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP)

Credit: Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP

Marjorie Taylor Greene’s exit opens new political unknown in Georgia

U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene is walking away from Washington. What comes next for her — and for Georgia politics — is suddenly wide open.

How a grand vision and a gift launched 20 years of wonder at Georgia Aquarium

Georgia stays at No. 4, Georgia Tech falls heading into rivalry week

Georgia stayed at No. 4 in the AP Top 25 this week, while next week's opponent Georgia Tech dropped eight spots to No. 23 after a home loss to Pitt.