CHAMBLEE — A resident who attended a public meeting at the Chamblee Civic Center last week has tested positive for COVID-19.
Officials say the individual showed no symptoms during the meeting Thursday night, but became symptomatic Friday and tested positive for coronavirus Sunday.
Why it Matters: As Georgia reopens government bodies are starting to hold in-person meetings again. However, the virus is still active and spreading. The spread of the virus during public gatherings is a concern for health officials and an occurrence like this may shape decisions by local governments on what to do with public meetings.
Below is the statement the city posted to its Facebook page detailing what happened and how it happened.
The City of Chamblee City Council regularly scheduled public hearing and meeting was held at the Chamblee Civic Center on Thursday, May 14 at 6 p.m. We previously asked our zoning attorney if we could have the meeting via teleconference and were advised that we should not. There were six public hearings scheduled, three were deferred from the previous month and had waited more than 60 days for their zoning cases to be heard. City staff recommended denial on five of the six hearings Thursday. One applicant voluntarily deferred.
We take our jobs as public servants very seriously. It is a calling to make our community better, improve the quality of life, and serve residents and business owners. In the case of the public hearings on Thursday, one property owner was seeking an answer from council and is facing foreclosure this month, two business owners were seeking to open a new business in the city, and two developers were seeking a decision on proposed housing.
As the state has lifted restrictions, the city evaluated how best to provide service to these applicants. Precautions were taken. The meeting at the civic center was broadcast live for the first time so individuals could hear the debate without attending in person. Public comments were accepted via email as well as in person. Officers and staff monitored for symptoms, and temperatures were taken of all attendees before they were allowed to enter. Staff attendance was limited. Chairs were spaced ten feet apart and hand sanitizer and Lysol spray were provided throughout the building. Unfortunately, a person at the meeting Thursday night was not symptomatic, but became symptomatic Friday night, and tested positive for COVID-19 on Sunday. This individual was responsible and respectful during the meeting. They wore a mask and remained six feet away from other attendees. They notified the city immediately upon receiving the COVID-19 diagnosis on Sunday.
The city notified attendees who provided phone or email contact information. A public announcement was issued earlier today. All city employees who attended, including the city manager, will self-isolate for 14 days, and the civic center will be cleaned and will remain closed for 10 days. We believe the protocols and precautions taken at the meeting limited potential exposure, but we take this matter very seriously and will continue to monitor.
The Chamblee City Council will meet via Go To Webinar for tomorrow’s council meeting.
As of 9 a.m. Monday, DeKalb County had 2,804 confirmed cases of coronavirus and 82 deaths.
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