by Robin Kemp

Two City of Forest Park employees have tested positive for COVID-19 and a third has been exposed to a relative who has tested positive, according to a letter posted on Facebook July 8. As a result, all city properties are closed to the public until further notice.

“While we remain optimistic for…successful recoveries,” the letter read, “this information in addition to the increase in positive COVID-19 cases across the state and the nation, Mayor (Angelyne) Butler and the governing body made the decision that going forward and until further notice, Forest Park City Hall, Municipal Court (fines can be paid online) and all city properties will be closed.”

However, the city says staffers “will continue to provide services” via e-mail and, “if applicable via appointment.”

The letter urged residents to “please do your part” and follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Georgia Department of Public Health COVID-19 guidelines.

The letter did not state which department or departments the employees work in.

At 12:08 p.m. Tuesday, the Forest Park Police Department posted a Facebook message saying that it was shuttering its doors to the public “EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY” in what it called “an effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19.”

Anyone in need of emergency help should call 911, while non-emergencies can be handled via (404) 366-4141. “Officers will continue to respond to emergency calls for service,” the post noted, adding that “The Telephone Reporting Unit (TRU) will be operational 24 hours a day.”

You can watch CDC videos about different aspects of COVID-19 online at https://bit.ly/3gG87NX. Here’s one on how to wear a cloth face covering:

And here’s a reminder about social distancing:

Learn how COVID-19 spreads within the community: