NEWS RELEASE

 

DATE:  March 18, 2020                                                              TIME:  9:00 AM

CONTACT:   EMA                                                                256.549.4575 (Office)

ema@cityofgadsden.com

 

 

Officials Convene Continuity of Government Meeting

 

Members of municipal and county government met at the Gadsden/Etowah County Emergency Operations Center on Monday, March 16, 2020. The purpose of this meeting was to discuss how local governments will continue to provide essential services if the COVID-19 pandemic affects Etowah County. As of this writing of this statement, Etowah County has zero confirmed cases. However, officials felt it is best to plan ahead. Previously, the County Commission – at the request of the EMA Director – had declared a local state of public health emergency.

The EMA gradually transitioned segments of operations to the new location over a period of months – allowing staff to coordinate as they moved. The final shift of all operations to the new location occurred at the end of 2019. Director Deborah Gaither stated, “The support we have received from our elected officials, our local municipality partners, and our local responders for this move and throughout this transition has been so appreciated.” Gaither feels this move will enable the EMA to better prepare for and respond to incidents throughout the county – since the new location is more centrally located.

Local officials, responders, and media will have the opportunity to view the center on Wednesday, January 22, 2020 from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM.

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