We are saddened to announce the first COVID-19 related death of a resident of Ben Hill County. The individual was a 73-year old male who was not hospitalized. It is unknown at this time if the individual had any underlying medical conditions.
The PDF attached to the post below has the individual listed incorrectly as a female. This was a 73-year old male who passed away.
You can read the full announcement by clicking the link below.
May 3-9, 2020 is National Hurricane Preparedness Week. The Ben Hill County EMA will be posting preparedness tips all week.
Hurricane season begins on June 1, 2020. You can find more tips on prepping for the season here: https://www.weather.gov/wrn/hurricane-preparedness
Are you in a hurricane evacuation zone, or in a home that would be otherwise unsafe in a hurricane? If so, think now, about where you’d go and how you’d get there if you’re told to evacuate.
https://www.weather.gov/wrn/2020-hurricane-evacuation
It’s not just those along the coast that can experience significant, life-threatening impacts. Evaluate what you need to do to protect your home and family NOW, before the first storm of the season even forms.
https://www.weather.gov/wrn/hurricane-preparedness
The Shelter in Place order signed by Governor Kemp on April 3rd and extended on April 8th is still in full force and effect until April 30th. This Order prohibits gatherings of more than 10 people unless every person present can be at least 6 feet apart at all times unless the attendees are cohabitants.
There has been an increase in the number of complaints related to large gatherings in Ben Hill County. Local law enforcement has had to disperse several large gatherings in the last 24 hours. All of these complaints are taken seriously and have to be investigated.
Law enforcement is advising that the first occurrence will result in a warning, but the second will result in a citation.
Please share this with everybody you know and encourage them to continue taking the Shelter in Place order seriously.
The Ben Hill County Department of Health will begin offering testing for COVID-19 on Monday, April 27, 2020. The tests are NOT available to people who show up at the health department without an appointment. You can read the full post by clicking on the link below.
A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 345 AM FOR BEN HILL COUNTY
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAS ISSUED TORNADO WATCH 125 IN
EFFECT UNTIL 7 AM EDT FOR BEN HILL COUNTY
NWS has updated the Severe Weather forecast for Ben Hill County.
Ben Hill County is under watch for Potential Severe Weather Sunday through Monday.