A city employee in Decatur has tested positive for COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, city officials said Friday.
The employee held an “administrative position and typically has limited interactions with the public,” the city said in a statement.
The person was last at City Hall on Wednesday, March 11, and started experiencing symptoms after that. Anyone who was in direct contact with them has has been notified and directed to self-quarantine. The city did not say whether the employee is hospitalized.
Decatur City Hall has been closed to the public since March 17. Work spaces and common areas have been disinfected and sanitized, the city said.
“City staff have taken all necessary precautions to protect the public and employees in this situation,” Mayor Patti Garrett said in a statement. “They have followed our pandemic plan and adhered to guidance from the CDC. Our thoughts and prayers go out to our employee and we wish for a quick recovery.”
Garrett signed an executive order Thursday prohibiting Decatur restaurants from allowing on-site dining. Restaurants can still offer take-out and delivery services between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. Garrett’s order also prohibits gatherings of more than 50 people.
A city of Brookhaven employee also tested positive for COVID-19, leading to a swift shutdown of City Hall, officials announced March 14.
According to the latest figures released by the state Friday afternoon, Georgia has 420 confirmed cases of coronavirus, 35 of which are in DeKalb.
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