DeKalb CEO launches coronavirus task force

DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond answers questions to residents of Oakhurst during the meeting were residents received the latest information about the plans for the county’s upcoming sewer projects on and around Green Street on Tuesday, March 10, 2020. MIGUEL MARTINEZ FOR THE ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION

DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond answers questions to residents of Oakhurst during the meeting were residents received the latest information about the plans for the county’s upcoming sewer projects on and around Green Street on Tuesday, March 10, 2020. MIGUEL MARTINEZ FOR THE ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION

DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond has assembled a task force that will help steer the county’s coronavirus-related policies.

The task force, which was created by a March 23 executive order, will hold its first virtual meeting at 10 a.m. Wednesday.

The meeting will be streamed online at dekalbcountyga.gov and aired on Comcast Channel 23 for DeKalb County residents.

Task force members include David Ross (president and CEO of The Task Force for Global Health) and Dr. S. Elizabeth Ford (district director for the DeKalb Board of Health), as well as representatives from the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners; DeKalb County’s state legislative delegations; the DeKalb Municipal Association; public safety leaders and economic development experts.

“This pandemic is a fluid situation with no standard play book or set of rules,” Thurmond said in a news release. “During this critical time in the life of our county, it is important to gather the best information and advice from experts to help us save lives and restart our economy.”

As of lunchtime Monday, the state of Georgia had confirmed more than 2,800 cases of COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus. There had been 87 deaths.

DeKalb County had seen 283 confirmed cases and at least three deaths.

On Friday, Thurmond issued a new stay-at-home order, mandating that county residents leave their homes only for essential activities.

The CEO’s task force is still being assembled but confirmed members are listed below. Future members could also include more business and civic leaders and representatives from educational institutions, faith organizations and human services organizations.

Health

David Ross, The Task Force for Global Health

Dr. S. Elizabeth Ford, DeKalb County Board of Health

Board of Commissioners

Presiding Officer Steve Bradshaw

Two commissioners yet to be appointed

DeKalb County School District

Interim Superintendent Ramona Tyson

Judicial

Chief Judge Asha Jackson, Superior Court

Public Safety

Public Safety Director Jack Lumpkin

Sheriff Melody Maddox

Chief Joseph Cox, DeKalb Emergency Management Agency

Legislative

House Chairwoman Karla Drenner

Senate Chairman Emanuel Jones

Cities

Brookhaven Mayor John Ernst

Pine Lake Mayor Melanie Hammett

Business

Ann Hanlon, Perimeter Community Improvement Districts

Emory Morsberger, Tucker Summit and Metro South Community Improvement Districts

Alan Goodman, Brookhaven Chamber of Commerce

Ken Coleman, DeKalb Chamber of Commerce

Dorian DeBarr, DeKalb County Development Authority

Human Services

Lamar Smith, Division of Family and Children Services

Transportation

Jeff Parker, MARTA