DREAM Working to Clean Facilities
The health of the public and our employees is our top priority. DREAM is working closely with departments to implement CDC cleaning guidelines in any cases where an individual has been exposed to COVID-19 in a Fulton County facility.

DREAM has established a disinfecting protocol based on whether there has been a confirmed positive COVID-19 test(s) in an area/building vs. the presence of symptomatic employees or customer. This dictates the level of disinfectant service received.

DREAM is working on options for preparing all buildings prior to reopening to the public.  Click on the video above or copy the link to see some DREAM employees at work. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NYGr0dHBEt8
Human Resources Guidance on COVID-19
Human Resources Management has gathered frequently asked questions (FAQs) for employees in regards to COVID-19.

Employees are encouraged to review these FAQ's as it relates to:

  • Absences
  • Employee relations
  • Expectations for essential employees
  • Questions about previous travel.
Update on Modifying Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Breeze Card Program
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic crisis, employees can start, stop or make contribution amount changes to Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for Dependent Care, Transit and/or Parking due to daycare/school closures or if they no longer need their transit/parking accounts as these are considered Qualifying Life Event Changes. Employees can also request to cancel their enrollment in the Breeze Card Program administered by transportation partners: Cobb Linc, GRTA Xpress (Blue/Green), Gwinnett Express or Marta.



Commuter Service Updates
Below are service change announcements for Marta, Cobb Linc, Gwinnett Express Transit and GRTA Xpress (Blue/Green) due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Click here to access the form to stop your payroll deduction for one of these partners. Email completed form to payrollunit@fultoncountyga.gov.

MARTA Service Changes
MARTA has made service plan changes to bus and rail operations to address the dramatic ridership and revenue decline seen in the wake of this national health crisis. Effective Monday, April 20, 2020, to prioritize essential transit service, MARTA is reducing bus service to the 41 routes to prioritize essential transit service during the COVID-19 pandemic. Visit https://www.itsmarta.com/MARTA-service-modifications.aspx to learn more about Changes to Bus Service, Changes to Rail Service and Changes to Street Car Service.

Cobb Linc Transit Service Changes
CobbLinc will temporarily suspend operation of Routes 101 and 102. Operation of Route 100 will continue with a reduced schedule that has been modified to serve Marietta Transfer Center for passengers who would normally use Route 101. Route 102 passengers may consider driving to Busbee Park-and-Ride lot to access Route 100 Express Service. Route 100 will operate fare free. Visit https://www.cobbcounty.org/transportation/cobblinc/announcements to learn more.

Gwinnett County Express Transit Service Changes
Gwinnett County Transit will no longer run commuter express bus routes to downtown Atlanta, with an exception for Route 110, until further notice. Fare box collection will also be temporarily suspended on Route 110.  Click here to learn more.

GRTA Xpress Transit Service Changes
The State Road and Tollway Authority is reducing the service levels of Xpress transit to balance the need to implement social distancing on the coaches while efficiently serving a much smaller ridership that still includes essential workers in the region. Visit https://www.xpressga.com/reducedschedule/ for the reduced schedule and to learn more.
CARES ACT 401(a) and 457 (b) Emergency Withdrawals
At its April 15, 2020 meeting, the Board of Commissioners approved the provisions of the federal government Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which allows employees to have emergency withdrawals of up to $50,000 each from their 401(a) Defined Contribution Plan and 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan accounts in response to COVID-19 pandemic crisis. Withdrawal requests from either of the plans will be administered directly by the respective plan vendors and will be subject the eligibility requirements listed below.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS 
  • Individuals who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 by a test approved from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

  • A Spouse or dependent who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 by a test approved from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

  • An individual suffering financial consequences as a result of quarantine, employment furlough, layoffs, reduced work hours or cannot work due to lack of child care as a result of coronavirus

  • Individuals who experience a financial loss to an individually owned or operated business that is caused by a closing or reduction of hours due to coronavirus

  • Other factors as determined by the Secretary of the Treasury or his delegate

If you have questions or need to apply, call Mass Mutual at (800) 743-5274 for the 401(a) Plan and/or TIAA at (800) 842-2252 for the 457(b) Plan.
Board of Commissioners Meeting
The Fulton County Board of Commissioners held their April 2020 recess meeting via videoconference. Watch the full meeting on FGTV's YouTube page.
Expanded Testing For COVID-19 In Georgia
The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) is increasing the number of specimen collection sites statewide for COVID-19 testing, and is revising the current testing criteria to accommodate more testing of Georgia residents.

Effective immediately, all symptomatic individuals will be eligible for COVID-19 testing. Health care workers, first responders, law enforcement and long-term care facility residents and staff will still be prioritized for testing regardless of whether they are or are not symptomatic.

Join Fulton County's Employee Facebook Group
A Fulton County Employee Facebook Group has been established. This is a closed group managed by External Affairs specifically for Fulton County employees.

Employees who wish to join this group will be asked to provide their name, department, and work email. Each employee will be authenticated using the Outlook Directory before being given access to the group. Copy and paste the link to join or click on the orange button below: https://www.facebook.com/groups/259841696258/?notif_t=group_invited_to_group
Thank You for Taking Part in Hope Week
Thank you to every employee who took part in Hope Week. Employees are doing many great things in the community. Employees in the Marshal's Office are writing cards to seniors to bring a smile to their face.

Check out more pictures sent during Hope Week on the Hope Week webpage.
Employee Benefits and Wellness Interest Survey
Fulton County is committed to supporting the health and wellness of our employees, and we recognize the importance of offering you opportunities to make a difference in your well-being. Please help us continue to provide valuable resources by taking a few minutes to complete the following survey.

Your thoughtful responses are very important, and we appreciate your input. Please complete by April 24, 2020 and be eligible for a chance to win a Kaiser Permanente “Fitness Swag Bag” filled with goodies.

Helpful COVID-19 Information and Resources
Loan Assistance Information
There are a number of lenders offering auto or mortgage loan relief programs to help their customers alleviate some of their financial burden. If you or somebody you know needs information about loan d eferral programs, h ere are some helpful links:



Clark How ard offers tips on practical steps to take to protect yourself financially. https://clark.com/personal-finance-credit/coronavirus-finances/
Employee Assistance Program
Regardless of the medical plan option you choose—or even if you don’t choose Fulton County medical plan coverage— you and your eligible family members will have access to EAP.

EAP provides free, confidential, short-term assistance and counseling designed to help individuals resolve a variety of personal concerns. There are no costs, fees or copays. EAP also can help you find child care. Just call 800-999-7222 or visit anthemEAP.com and enter Fulton. Click here to learn more.

A series of on demand webinars will be also placed on the EAP website in the NEWS FOR YOU/COVID 19 section:
  • Talking with your child about COVID – 19
  • The Intersection of Uncertainty and Parenting with COVID – 19
  • Living in Uncertain Times
  • Financial Uncertainty
  • Hand Washing
  • When and Where to get Medical Advice
Anthem (BCBS) Resources
Employees who have Anthem (BCBS) can take advantage of telehealth/virtual doctor visits. Telehealth provides 24/7 doctor visits through live video from the comfort of your own computer or cell phone with internet connection. Just enroll online at www.livehealthonline.com or on the free mobile app.  Click here to learn more. 

Also if you think you have COVID-19 symptoms, Sydney Care can help. Check your potential risk quickly with the 24/7 Sydney Care mobile app. Click here to learn more
Kaiser Permanente Resources
Employees who have Kaiser Permanente need to be aware of some facility closings and other modifications. Some Kaiser facilities have temporarily closed or have only certain services available like well-visit pediatric appointments. Click here to learn more about these changes.

Employees can take advantage of telehealth/virtual doctor visits. Telehealth provide 24/7 doctor visits through live video from the comfort of your own computer or mobile device with internet connection. To get started register on www.kp.org or on the free mobile app.   Click here to learn more.

Kaiser Permanente has created a list of COVID-19 education videos that can be found here on their YouTube playlist
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to dominate the news, anxiety levels are continuing to climb. It's only natural to feel anxious when we become fearful and uncertain about what the future holds. At times like this, it's important that we understand our emotions. Emotions drive most of your brain's processes, including feelings, cognition, and self-control.

While most people believe that rational thinking comes first, you actually process emotions first. Within a fifth of a second, emotions are construct-ed within your brain. Your brain then processes the emotion and deter-mines whether the situation is threatening or rewarding. Because of the importance emotions play in your decision-making abilities, it's imperative to understand your emotions and train them to help you produce the most desirable results.