GA Coronavirus: How Forsyth Neighbors Are Responding

FORSYTH COUNTY, GA — Neighbors around Forsyth County are starting their second week of self-quarantine after most schools, businesses and community amenities shut down due to the coronavirus.

Patch asked readers to tell us how local families are coping with schools being closed. This includes families homeschooling, college students now working from home the rest of the semester, or teachers.

"My student is already accustomed to working online with Georgia virtual classes," Lisa Palak said. "However, I am concerned about prom, (we've already bought the dress and it is non-refundable), and I wonder if she will have a traditional graduation. We've also made a $200 non-refundable deposit for the food for her graduation party."

Elaine said she agreed with the closing of schools to keep the spread of this virus to a minimum.

"However, now all the kids who would have been in school during the day are now at Publix, Target etc.," Elaine said. "This kind of defeats the purpose I think. It’s being treated as a snow day."

Debbie Fitzgerald already worked from home, so she didn't have a difficult transition work-wise. However, she said it is difficult knowing that "life as we know it right now is just simply cancelled/postponed," especially for her two teens, a senior and sophomore at Forsyth Central High School.

"My heart goes out to her and all those 2020 high school students that are in limbo during the end of their senior year," Fitzgerald said. "My sophomore son is doing OK, although he had trouble accessing the Its Learning website. Perhaps there are too many kids on it at once, so both of my teens will try later to get on. My son's baseball has been postponed and his church retreat for his confirmation has been cancelled. Our church has cancelled Mass until after April 5. Last Sunday we watched Mass by streaming an Atlanta Mass on our TV. It was the first time our dog had been to church with us (Lol). That being said, we are all healthy and we are getting plenty of sleep. :-)"

Her brother lives in their hometown of San Ramon, California, which is under a shelter at home directive.

"I feel for them," Fitzgerald said. "And can't help to think that this could happen to us in Atlanta if we don't all hunker down to defeat COVID-19."

Patch also asked which local restaurants are still open, offering curbside pick up or delivery options.

• Forsyth County: What's Open, Closed Amid Coronavirus Concerns
• Coronavirus: Forsyth County Declares State Of Emergency

The Forsyth Chamber of Commerce created a new website listing restaurants that are still open around the county, updated daily at 11 a.m.

The chamber also gave suggestions on how to support local businesses:

• Make a donation of food to The Place of Forsyth County
• Make a financial donation to United Way of Forsyth County
• Buy gift cards from local businesses (especially small, independent businesses) for future use or to give as gifts
• Order carry-out or delivery meals from local restaurants (Find some favorites HERE.)

If you know of restaurants and businesses still open, add it in the comments or on the Neighbor Posts above.