Hometown Headlines Radio Edition: Local news without the static.

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RANT OF THE DAY: A decision on indecision

In recent weeks, we’ve seen people in leadership positions failing to do what they’re supposed to do in the first place: make decisions. We realize the corona virus is something we never really expected – but that’s not an excuse to watch and wait.

The first example came hours before Floyd County’s first positive test was announced. Elected, health and other officials were in stall mode, some openly speculating it would never happen here even as data poured in from China and Italy.

Twelve hours later, all were packed in a room at the emergency center, speculating on what happens next. Today, we’re among one of the state’s hot beds for positive tests.

What’s troubling is that some are still taking time – time we don’t have if we want to “flatten the curve” – to make decisions. Public institutions, private operations, gathering places prone to crowds of 50 or more – there seems to be a geniune fear of making the call.

The demands of leadership include exactly that: lead. Make the tough call that might be unpopular but also is more than necessary. If you can’t, move aside and let the true leaders lead.

Treating the corona virus outbreak as a new threat is the wrong approach. Northwest Georgia was two weeks into “community spread” by the time the first positive test was announced.

There are some very tough decisions to make, decisions that should have occurred last week. From Athens, Ga., to New York City to Miami Beach, people are doing what needs to be done.

Here’s hoping the leaders here indeed decide to lead today.

Coronavirus updates:

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Today's headlines:

Coronavirus headlines:

Health: With at least 10 weeks to go, 71 people have died in the 2019-20 flu season in Georgia.

Politics: 1,441 advance voters so far in Floyd; Saturday voting in all counties; Sunday voting in Floyd as well.

Ware Mechanical Weather Center:  A little cooler, mid to upper 60s, through the weekend with a bit more rain Sunday.

RANT OF THE DAY: Count economy among the victims.

Perhaps lost amid Gov. Brian Kemp’s latest coronavirus update on Thursday was this reference. The governor created a state panel to track Georgia’s logistics and economic fallout triggered by coronavirus. His one-word prediction of its scope: “Substantial.”

Rome and Floyd County will serve as a prime example of that, starting right now. Consider the following:

Please don’t misunderstand. Just about every one of the 30 to 40 closings, delays and such we posted on Thursday was critically needed if we’re going to stop the spread of coronavirus.

But there will be some fallout. Atlanta will be pounded by a loss of fans at this weekend’s NASCAR race as well as the Final Four basketball tournament in April. And then there’s the delay in the Atlanta Braves’ season opener. For that matter, should people even be congregating at The Battery at night and on the weekends, given the size of the normal crowds it attracts.

For now, the goal is keeping as many people as possible healthy over the next few weeks. When, not if, this thing subsides, we’ll get back to a more normal pace.

But for those trying to make a living, or even trying to sustain a certain comfort level by taking on temp jobs, will they have the resources to wait it out?

For sure, our economy will be the unnamed victim of this pandemic. Starting now, our government, business and religious groups must establish a plan to help those in need. It looks like we’re all going to have some extra time on our hands.

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RANTS OF THE DAY: Coping with a pandemic.

First, a note on how the narrative of the coronavirus story has shifted from the state to the communities such as Northwest Georgia. Through Facebook, press releases and other means, the most information the community is receiving today is not coming from state leadership or public health. That has got to change. As we keep saying, the best way to beat disinformation is with information. We especially take offense to a little sabre rattling about laws and patient privacy. No one’s privacy is violated by stating the patient’s gender, age and county of residence.

Second, it is time for leadership on any level to quit treating this as the onset of an outbreak. That was two or more weeks ago even if none of us knew it at the time. We are in a very different phase of this spreading virus; act accordingly. The best example: More than 100 higher education centers already have moved to distance learning and yet most Georgia colleges and universities are waiting. Can you image what Athens will be like next week if 30,000 students return from spring break, having mixed with people around the country?

Third, a job well done by Floyd County Schools as educators learned that one of their own had tested positive for the corona virus. The Cave Spring Elementary situation was handled by the book, with student safety at the top of the list. This two-day break couldn’t come at a better time for the school system, the students and the staff.

Fourth, we applaud the organizers of the Leprechaun-a-thon and Healthy Kids Days as both were canceled because of potential health risks. Call it proactive or precaution, we call it smart. We’re now witnessing the impact a simple church service has had on Northwest Georgia. We need to be thinking about other public events starting today.

And finally, we ask for a truce between those who are concerned and others shrugging this off as a flu-like outbreak. Let’s get the situation under control and people the help they need, and then we can get back to politics.

Today's headlines:

Corona virus updates:

Business: Robinson changes plans for The District off West Third; new concept includes several buildings with housing aimed at millenials.

Politics: Local House members OK state spending plan that cuts teacher raises to $1,000, half of what governor sought.

Politics: Advance voting continues; Floyd can vote this Saturday and Sunday; Saturday voting in Bartow, Gordon, Polk counties.

MIDWEEK OBSERVATIONS: A different level of coronavirus concerns

Item one: One of the early predictions we heard as the coronavirus threat grew has come true. Early speculation was that Floyd, Redmond or even Public Health would grab some of the vacating space at Kindred Hospital as it prepares to close April 6. Floyd is leasing some rooms on a “just in case” basis. Kindred does have the needed “negative pressure” rooms used in isolation cases. The other area that came up as an overflow site was the Northwest Georgia Regional Hospital buildings. We’d rather not say in what capacity.

Item two: the numbers. We’re already seeing some number issues with corona virus confirmations and presumptive tests in the state. Example: The latest Redmond case was not included in the state roundup Tuesday night. Plus, some of those tracking maps showed Georgia with 17 cases. Georgia has seven confirmed cases, 16 presumptive cases. At least we think that’s correct. Let’s get this worked out today, please.

Item three, the numbers again. Maybe we heard it all wrong the other day with it was announced those cruise ship patients would be coming to Dobbins Air Force Base in Marietta for testing and quarantine. First we heard 34 people. Then that there were 34 people from metro Atlanta in the group from the cruise ship. Now WSB reports two planes carrying a total of 271 passengers were en route. In fact, the first wave of patients has arrived. Again, nail this down.

Item four: Again, a well done to the Calhoun-Gordon County Corona virus task force. As promised, this collection of government, first responders and healthcare leaders are meeting on a weekly basis and reporting back to the community. Calhoun/Gordon continues to lead the way in this area.

Item five: As of this recording, Alabama has not had a positive corona virus test, one of the few states that hasn’t. Testing has been under way and will continue. What’s interesting: The state plans to make public the number of tests it conducts overall. Good luck trying to get a Georgia-based source to say as much despite all the transparency hype.

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RANT OF THE DAY: Finding a better way to spread the news, not the virus.

We’ve said it recently and we’ll say it again: The best way to prevent disinformation is with information.

But when it comes to information about those being tested and those testing positive for the coronavirus, those transparency efforts are as murky as all that soapy water we’re creating as we strive to protect ourselves.

Basically, the public is getting the basics on coronavirus testing and results. That has got to change if we, as a community, want to get ahead of this virus threat.

Transparency isn’t meant to be a series of talking heads telling us to wash our hands, give others appearing ill a six-foot variance, staying home if sick and checking our own travel plans, especially if 65 and older.

People need to know the basics. They need to know what is happening in their community and not hear about HIPAA regulations or agency policy or corporate mandates.

We ask that all involved be transparent about your alleged transparency. It is possible to be informative while likewise being sufficiently ambiguous as well to protect the patients.

Such information will go a long way in perhaps reducing the patient count.

First up, our coronavirus updates:

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State/nation:

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This first patient in our area is a Polk County woman, 46 years old, who is in isolation at Floyd Medical Center at last report.

A senior health leader tells Hometown Headlines that she is responding to treatment and is believed to be in guarded condition.

Redmond Regional Medical Center has not had any confirmed cases but there are three patients pending test results that have been treated at the hospital. It could take up to 48 hours for results.

There are five cases in the state, including the Polk County woman, and two others who presumptive positive tests.

Continuing updates at Hometown Headlines throughout the day.