Savannah Mayor Van Johnson has tested negative for COVID-19 after a City Hall worker recently tested positive for the illness.

According to media reports, the employee has only been identified as someone who works in close proximity to the mayor, whose city became Georgia’s first municipality to require protective face masks at all public spaces.

Johnson first proposed mandatory protective masks in all public spaces during an emergency City Council meeting in late June. The meeting was called after an increase in coronavirus cases in Chatham County as the summer tourist season moved into full swing.

Athens is set to consider a similar measure Tuesday.

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More young people throughout the South are reportedly testing positive for the coronavirus, as states reopen bars, restaurants and other popular locales with lessening social distancing requirements.

On Monday, the Georgia Department of Public Health reported 97,064 overall reported cases of the coronavirus. The state’s death toll is almost 2,900.

Gov. Brian Kemp is strongly encouraging everyone to use face masks as a measure to stop the coronavirus’ spread but is not mandating their use.

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Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens speaks next to Chief of Staff / Chief Policy Officer Courtney English during press conference to unveil the Neighborhood Reinvestment Initiative in the atrium at Atlanta City Hall, Tuesday, September 30, 2025, in Atlanta. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Credit: Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com

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The DeKalb school district is suing to recover money spent on cellphone lockers, plus money spent on implementing social media guidelines and hosting associated events, lost teaching time and to hire extra school counselors. (The New York Times file)

Credit: NYT