Atlanta mayor urged to take additional action to make citizens abide by 'stay-at-home' policy

ATLANTA - Members of the Atlanta City Council are telling the mayor more action is needed to shore up the COVID-19 response policy.

During a conference call on Tuesday, those leaders told Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms they are seeing too many individuals out and about despite a “stay-at-home” order. In many cases, they said, those residents and visitors are not practicing safe social distancing.

SEE ALSO: Coronavirus shelter-in-place orders: 'At-risk' groups in Georgia; all residents in Atlanta

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Michael Bond, a veteran member of the city council, described how a family member quickly succumbed to the virus. One day, Bond said, his aunt was able to speak to family members. The next day she was dead, he said.

Bond asked the mayor to close the city trails and parks. But Bottoms said she is being guided by medical experts and those experts are not suggesting such closures are needed.

SEE ALSO: Atlanta mayor giving hazard pay to city employees

Mayor Bottoms has tried to strike a balance between allowing citizens the chance to get out for a walk or run and safety.

The city said anyone who sees someone they believe is violating the "stay-at-home" order can call 311.

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Know how the COVID-19 outbreak is impacting Georiga

Best prevention measures:

• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least twenty seconds.
• If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces

SEE ALSO: Officials urge social distancing on BeltLine and at Piedmont Park

RESOURCES:

• Symptoms, testing and how to prepare amid growing COVID-19 outbreak
• Who is most susceptible to coronavirus? COVID-19 not just affecting older people
• Coronavirus cleaners: These products will kill COVID-19, according to the EPA
• Coronavirus and pets: Your cat or dog probably can’t get COVID-19, WHO says
• Will sick leave protect me if I get ill from coronavirus? 5 questions answered

RELATED: CoronavirusNOW.com, FOX launches national hub for COVID-19 news and updates.