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
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