TIFTON — The City of Tifton and Tift County governments released a joint statement regarding the potential effect of COVID-19 on the community.

“The City of Tifton and Tift County governments met today with key leadership of Tift County Schools, Tift Regional Medical Center, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College and Tiftarea Academy to discuss the current state of COVID-19 and its impact on our community,” the release states. “While every entity is taking the matter seriously, we are committed to working together for the safety, security and wellbeing of our citizens as the overall priority in dealing with this public issue. We are also in close contact with the Department of Public Health and are closely monitoring the situation.”

The release states that while both the City of Tifton and Tift County governments will remain open, residents may experience some disturbance in normal business activity due to adjustments of hours, services and interaction with the public out of an abundance of caution.

The Leroy Rogers Senior Center, The Tift Theatre for the Performing Arts, and the Tift County Recreation Department will be closed until further notice to prevent any potential exposure to illnesses, according to the release.

Following the Georgia Department of Public Health’s protocol, residents are advised to use these precautions:

• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds – use an alcohol- based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

• Stay home if you are sick and avoid close contact with people who are sick.

• If you believe you are infected with COVID-19, call your primary care physician.

Both governments will release information as it is available through social media outlets and the City of Tifton Government Channel, which can be found on Mediacom Channel 95 and TiftNet Channel 2. Tift Regional Medical Center has also set up a hotline with up-to-date information at 1-877-719-5787.

“Both the City of Tifton and Tift County governments commit to ensure the accurate information is shared with our community and residents,” the release states. “The elected officials will continue to offer a thorough, rational explanation to the public as this situation develops. “