During the weekly city and county COVID-19 update live-streamed via Facebook, Assistant County Administrator Joseph Mosley said the county is working on a plan to reopen public facilities. He said the discussion on the soft reopening will be an agenda topic at the upcoming Board of Commissioners meeting next week.

Walthourville Mayor Larry Baker said city employees will begin “trickling back to city hall,” June 15. Right now the city has limited employees onsite but is open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m.

Baker said residents of Walthourville need to remember that the Census count is vital in order to get funding for city projects.

“Please remember that we must be involved in the 2020 Census,” Baker said. “Please fill out the Census forms.”

Mosley reminded everyone that early voting is still ongoing Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. at the Old Historic Courthouse and the Midway Community Complex. He said early voting continues until June 5. Mosley said early voting will also be available Saturday May 30, at the same two locations from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.

City of Hinesville Public Relations Director Whitney Morris-Reed said there are 70 confirmed cases in the county.

“As expected with increased testing we have seen a slight uptick in cases,” she said adding that folks should remain calm and practice caution, courtesy and common sense.

She thanked Diversity Health and the Coastal Health District for setting up the test site and getting folks tested in a timely manner.

She reminded folks that the shelter-in-place for the elderly and vulnerable populations remains in place until June 12. Bars and nightclubs remain closed until Sunday. She said folks should monitor the city’s website for any changes Governor Brian Kemp may issue as the deadlines of the current Executive Orders expire.

County Commission Chairman Donald Lovette closed the meeting by urging folks that feel ill to seek immediate medical attention.

“Don’t hesitate in getting treatment if you feel ill,” he advised.