WNEG’s Year in Review: COVID-19
2020 is coming to a close, which means it is once again time to look back at the top stories in Stephens County over the last 12 months.
One topic that has remained in the news throughout the year has been the coronavirus.
On March 24, the Georgia Department of Public Health reported the first two cases of COVID-19 in Stephens County.
On April 17, Stephens County lost its first resident to the virus.
Stephens County residents also saw several of their beloved traditions canceled due to concerns for the spread of the virus.
Those events include: Toast of Toccoa, the April 4th Stephens County Amnesty Day, Main Street Toccoa’s Harvest Festival, the annual Costume Parade, and Christmas at the Paul Anderson Park, just to name a few.
All Toccoa-Stephens County Commission meetings were moved to teleconference.
Stephens County Courts were also impacted by the virus with all cases being postponed or held online.
Stephens County Jail also limited visitors and released probation violators to reduce inmate population by 35 percent in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The last semester of the 2019-2020 school year was moved online, causing graduation for the Class of 2020 to be postposed and prom cancelled.
Main Street Toccoa and Ritz Theatre events were cancelled or postponed during the first half to the year.
The coronavirus not only interfered with the activities in Stephens County, it also impacted several local businesses and industries, two of which have been unable to recover from the virus: Eaton Corporation and Lanier Apparel, with both announcing they will be shuttering in 2021.
As of Tuesday, December 29, Stephens County lost 48 residents due to the virus, and more than 2,000 residents tested positive for the virus.