In a crisis, newspaper works to stay ahead of the rumor mill

Having spent my entire adult life working at newspapers across the southeastern United States (and one tropical island), I know that folks count on their hometown paper to keep them a step ahead of the local rumor mill.

2 COVID-19 cases confirmed in Rabun County

CLAYTON—The Georgia Department of Public Health confirmed two cases of COVID-19 in Rabun County Tuesday. The Clayton Tribune spoke with a COVID-19 victim by phone Monday, but is not releasing the name due to privacy concerns. The victim said test results were received Friday.

State COVID-19 website info may be lagging behind actual number of reported cases, officials say

State officials said Monday the ever-increasing number of COVID-19 test results being reported across Georgia is causing delays in the time between local results being reported to the patients themselves and the time data is entered into the Department of Public Health database for public release.

Clayton council updates COVID-19 response

CLAYTON— Clayton city council members voted Monday to enact regulations on short-term rentals and hotels and motels in city limits in response to COVID-19, as well as clarify language in a motion passed last week that limited the number of people businesses can have in their establishment at a time.

COVID-19 response in Rabun County FAQ

The Clayton Tribune has compiled a list of common questions and answers concerning the COVID-19 virus, based on our reporting. This is a rapidly-developing story, and we will update this information as new details become available. What’s closed in Rabun County? Just about everything.

County bans short-term rentals, road closures not an option

CLAYTON--Meeting for perhaps the first time ever on a Saturday evening, the Rabun County Board of Commissioners sought to address rising public concerns about the local response to the COVID-19 health emergency last night.

5 Rabun patients awaiting COVID-19 test results

CLAYTON—At least five patients from Rabun County—including several who are being quarantined in their homes—are awaiting results of COVID-19 testing, Mountain Lakes Medical Center officials confirmed Friday afternoon. As of noon Friday, no positive cases had been reported in Rabun County.

Tallulah-Persimmon Fire Station annual barbeque postponed

The Tallulah-Persimmon Volunteer Fire Station has postponed their annual barbeque due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  The event was scheduled for Saturday, April 18.  "We have decided to postpone it indefinitely because of what's going on," said Tom Madison, with the volunteer fire station.

Clayton to broadcast meeting on social media, public asked not to attend

The Clayton City Council will hold a special called meeting on Monday, March 30 at 9 a.m. to discuss COVID-19 community concerns.  Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, city officials said the public will not be allowed to attend this meeting in person.

Kemp closes K-12 public schools through April 24

Atlanta, GA – Today Governor Brian P. Kemp issued Executive Order 03.26.20.02 closing public elementary and secondary schools for in-person instruction through April 24, 2020. Students may return to school on Monday, April 27, 2020.