In the City This Week
Wednesday, February 3rd, 2021
City of Valdosta Issues December 30 COVID-19 Update on Services and Facilities
The local Department of Health stated that on December 30, 2020, stating in the last two weeks, our 10 county district COVID-19 positivity has increased from 15 to 27 percent. Until further notice, all city facilities will be closed to the public beginning on January 1, 2021. This includes Municipal Court, City Hall, Utilities, Public Works, the City Hall Annex, and Mathis Auditorium.
Consistent with guidance on limiting the spread of COVID-19 through social distancing, we ask you to please communicate with our staff over the telephone and online. Visit the City’s website at valdostacity.com for information on services, forms, or other items you need. Staff email addresses are also available online to conduct business via email.
The lobby of the Customer Service Department is closed. We ask citizens to pay at the drive-through, over the phone, at the dropbox in the Customer Service parking lot, or through the website. Customer Service has placed signs on their doors asking customers to use the drive-thru. We also have a walk-up window located on the Northside of the building for assistance with new sign-ups for utility services and business and liquor licenses. Customer Service can be reached by phone at 229-259-3510 or email utilitybill@
Sign-ups and Disconnects are also being handled through the walk-up window on the Northside of the building or can be sent to our email utilitybill@
There are two drive-thru lanes available for payments only. We are taking credit cards and not requiring the bill for payments.
You can keep up to date with the City of Valdosta by following us on social media via Facebook, Nextdoor, Twitte
MASK UP VALDOSTA
Valdosta Mayor Scott James Matheson launched a ‘Mask Up Valdosta’ campaign on Thursday encouraging Valdosta residents to wear face-coverings in public as a safeguard to slow the spread of COVID-19. This voluntary mask campaign is done in full support of Governor Kemp’s "Wear a Mask" Flyaround Tour of Georgia held earlier this month.
“We want to keep our economy open and ensure our healthcare system has the capacity to treat all patients who need medical care,” said Mayor Matheson. “My mask protects you and your mask protects me. Together, we all can stop the spread of COVID – 19.”
Health experts recommend that people wear cloth face coverings in public settings and when around people who don’t live in your household, especially when social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.
To practice social or physical distancing:
• Stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arms’ length) from other people
• Do not gather in groups
• Stay out of crowded places and avoid mass gatherings
Currently, surgical masks and N95 respirators are critical supplies that should be reserved for healthcare workers and other first responders. Face coverings can be more than just masks. Scarfs, bandanas, etc. will also serve the purpose. Wearing a cloth face-covering limits the spread of germs. Residents should wash their cloth face coverings every day.
Residents are encouraged to take photos wearing their face covering and share via social media using the hashtag #MaskUpValdosta.
Lowndes County Health Department COVID Vaccine Shortage
Due to a limited supply of COVID vaccine, Lowndes County Health Department will start contacting individuals today, January 21, to cancel appointments for those who have not yet received their first vaccination in the health department or drive-thru. Individuals with appointments for their second dose will not be affected.
“We must ensure anyone who received their first dose of COVID vaccine at Lowndes County Health Department or in our Drive-Thru at the Civic Center receives their second dose,” stated William Grow, MD, FACP, district health director. “Unfortunately, manufacturers are not able to keep up with the demand currently in the United States.”
According to the Georgia Department of Public Health, vaccine supply is limited in the U.S., and Georgia only receives what the federal government allocates. As production of current vaccines is increased, which we hope to see in coming weeks, and as other vaccines are approved for use, our goal is to provide vaccinations to everyone, prioritizing those at highest risk of exposure and infection.
Health department staff will keep a list of all appointments canceled and these individuals will be contacted first when we receive an adequate supply of vaccine to reopen appointments.
Individuals that will not be able to receive their vaccine from Lowndes County Health Department are encouraged to visit the DPH Vaccine Locator at https://dph.georgia.gov/
“Individuals that have scheduled second dose appointments at Lowndes County Health Department or in our Drive-Thru will not be affected,” says Grow. “While we sincerely regret this has happened within our district and throughout Georgia, we are thankful for other enrolled providers that will be able to continue vaccinating persons within our community that are at high risk.”
Individuals are asked to not call the health department immediately but to wait for a staff member to contact them. For the most up-to-date information on COVID vaccine supply at Lowndes County Health Department, please visit www.southhealthdistrict.
Mayor’s Paddle on the Withlacoochee River
Saturday, February 6, 2021
Gather 9 AM, launch 10 AM, end 4 PM
Troupville Boat Ramp
Join the Mayor of Valdosta and a hundred of his closest friends for a leisurely paddle on the Withlacoochee River. Mayor Scott James says, “Over a year removed from a terrible spill into our area waterways, and right at a year of massive improvements to our infrastructure since our last ‘Mayors Paddle,’ I am again looking forward to fellowship on the river February 6.”
All elected officials present will have three minutes to speak. And you can paddle up to them and ask questions.
WWALS President Tom H. Johnson Jr. said, “This stretch of the river extends from the most populous city in the Suwannee River Basin past some suburbs and many rural woods. It is important for all the upstream city and county wastewater treatment plants to keep a grip on their sewage because many people depend on the Withlacoochee River for swimming, fishing, and boating, plus water wells nearby may be affected by anything that goes into the river. It’s a joy that publicly elected officials are involved in this activity and that the Mayor is helping organize it.”
It was fun last year, so let’s do it again! There is plenty of room to stay six feet apart, at Troupville Boat Ramp, the lunch stop, and at Spook Bridge, and of course on the water. We are still working out how the shuttle will work.
Suwannee Riverkeeper John S. Quarterman said, “Thanks again to The Langdale Company for riverside access at the mid-way lunch stop, and the Spook Bridge takeout.”
When: Gather 9 AM, launch 10 AM, end 4 PM, Saturday, February 6, 2021
Put-In: Troupville Boat Ramp, 19664 Valdosta Hwy, Valdosta, GA 31602: on GA 133 off I-75 exit 18. in Lowndes County.
GPS: 30.851842, -83.346536
Take Out: Spook Bridge, west from Valdosta on US 84, left onto Ousley Road, right onto Old Quitman Highway, stop at the gate.
Thanks to The Langdale Company for access through their private property to Spook Bridge for this outing and water quality testing.
Bring: the usual personal flotation device, boat, paddles, food, drinking water, warm clothes, and first aid kit. Also, trash pickers and trash bags: every WWALS outing is also a cleanup.
Free: This outing is free to WWALS members and $10 (ten dollars) for non-members. You can pay the $10 at the outing or online:
https://wwals.net/donations/#
