Atlantafi.com is bringing you the latest on the coronavirus pandemic, which has the state of Georgia and the city of Atlanta under a state of emergency.
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If you live in a big city like Atlanta or another area where real estate prices are going through the roof, it may be tempting to relocate to a cheaper area.
After all, the pasture always look greener on the other side. Furthermore, big cities have made it cool to live in large homes.
But big homes often mean big mortgage payments, so it may be time for you to make an adjustment to keep your mortgage from eating your paycheck.
Downsize Your Home
If you don’t have a family, it may make sense to downsize your home. Not only will the mortgage payments be easier to handle, but you may be able to the equity in your big home to add to your savings.
Other benefits to downsizing include:
- Lower energy bills
- Less maintenance
- Less financial stress
So many people believe moving to a cheaper city or state is going to make a difference, but the reality is that if you have a decent job, maybe you shouldn’t relocate.
Here are three other options that can help you downsize fast:
1. Set Goals
Re-align your financial goals based on where you want to be, not where you are now. Do you still need the amenities you bought the phone for? Do you still use that pool or sauna?
2. Refinance
Mortgage rates are approaching low levels again, and that makes a refi very attractive to people who have huge monthly payments.
3. Re-Invest Your Equity
If you’ve been in your big home for a nice period of time, it’s likely that your home has appreciated to the point that you have a pretty large nest egg inside of it.
Instead of continuing to pay that big mortgage, find a cheaper home in the same area or city and use that equity for the downpayment.
Better yet, you could use that equity to invest in a retirement fund like a 401(k).
Interested in other ways to save or make money? Check out our Money Section:
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As the coronavirus pandemic, continues to spread around the metro area, Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms called for the shut down restaurants and other businesses that congregate people.
The order means that local eateries will remain open, but customers will only be allowed to pick up carryout food. You’ll need to call or go online to place orders.
These Atlanta Restaurants Have Delicious Takeout Food Right Now
Atlanta Limits Restaurants, Closes Bars, Gyms
“I have signed an Executive Order, effective at midnight, limiting restaurants to take out service, closing bars, gyms, etc.” Lance Bottoms tweeted Thursday. “The fate of cities across the globe will be upon soon if we do not follow recommendations on ways to slow the spread of the Coronavirus.”
I have signed an Executive Order, effective at midnight, limiting restaurants to take out service, closing bars, gyms, etc. The fate of cities across the globe will be upon soon if we do not follow recommendations on ways to slow the spread of the Coronavirus. pic.twitter.com/WkO507PKIL
— Keisha Lance Bottoms (@KeishaBottoms) March 19, 2020
Atlanta officials have had to respond with strict measures as the number of COVID-19 cases continues to climb in Georgia.
One city — South Fulton — has instituted a 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. curfew to keep people off the streets.
Meanwhile in Atlanta, the mayor also stopped tow companies from penalizing vehicles outside restaurants.
“To help assist restaurants with providing take out take service, I have signed an Executive Order suspending towing and booting of vehicles in the City’s right of way,” she said on social media.
As for those Atlantans who love beer, wine and liquor, Lance Bottoms said she was exploring ways to legalize takeout orders, but it was unlikely.
“If there is a provision in State law that empowers me to waive alcohol take out, I’ll gladly sign it. I’ve just not seen it yet,”she wrote.COVID-19 has dramatically changed life for millions of Atlantans. How has your life changed? Let us know in the comments.Latest News On The Coronavirus Pandemic
Atlantafi.com is bringing you the latest on the coronavirus pandemic, which has the state of Georgia and the city of Atlanta under a state of emergency. Here are some helpful links:
- Pandemic-Proof Pantry: Things To Buy Online Right Now
- Here Are Publix’s New Hours Due To Coronavirus
- Here Are Walmart’s New Hours Amid Coronavirus
- Delta Cuts Capacity Due To Coronavirus Pandemic
- SOCIAL DISTANCING GUIDE: How To Do It
- Is A Domestic Travel Ban Next? Here’s What To Know
- FREE DOWNLOAD: Print Out This Pantry List
- Trump: Nation Could Be Under COVID-19 Rules Til ‘July, August’
- Entire Georgia Legislature Self-Quarantine For 14 Days
- Atlanta Lifts Restrictions On Alcohol Sales With Takeout
- City of Atlanta Limits Restaurants, Closes Bars
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To deal with the coronavirus pandemic, many stores are dedicating the first hour of their operations to senior citizens, who are having a hard time shopping during the rush.
Coronavirus Store Hours: See Senior Hours For These Retailers
Stores like Whole Foods, Walmart, Target and more have all made the adjustment to cater to seniors as many shoppers have resorted to panic buying.
Here are the stores with senior hours in your local area:
Store Senior Hours Albertsons 2 hours every Tuesday and Thursday morning Acme 2 hours every Tuesday and Thursday morning Giant Food 6 a.m. to 7 a.m. Fresh Shop 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. M-F Market Basket 5:30 a.m. to 7 a.m. every Tuesday, Wednesday
& ThursdayPublix 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. every Tuesday and Wednesday morning Safeway 2 hours every Tuesday and Thursday morning Stop & Shop 6 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. Target 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. Trader Joe's 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Walgreens Tuesday 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. Walmart 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. Whole Foods 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. (if store opens at 9 a.m., then that first hour will be for seniors) The retailers all feel that this is the right thing to do, and we couldn’t agree more! Here’s what one of them says about it.
Whole Foods said in a statement: “We are setting aside this time to help those customers, who national health authorities have identified as among the most vulnerable to COVID-19, feel more comfortable shopping our stores and helping to ensure they are able to get the items they need in a less crowded environment.”
Atlantafi.com is bringing you the latest on the coronavirus pandemic, which has the state of Georgia and the city of Atlanta under a state of emergency. Here are some helpful links:
- Pandemic-Proof Pantry: Things To Buy Online Right Now
- Here Are Publix’s New Hours Due To Coronavirus
- Here Are Walmart’s New Hours Amid Coronavirus
- Delta Cuts Capacity Due To Coronavirus Pandemic
- SOCIAL DISTANCING GUIDE: How To Do It
- Is A Domestic Travel Ban Next? Here’s What To Know
- FREE DOWNLOAD: Print Out This Pantry List
- Trump: Nation Could Be Under COVID-19 Rules Til ‘July, August’
- Entire Georgia Legislature Self-Quarantine For 14 Days
- City of Atlanta Limits Restaurants, Closes Bars
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The entire Georgia Legislature, including the lieutenant governor is self-quarantining for 14 days after a state senator tested positive for coronavirus.
Brandon Beech was experiencing symptoms on March 10, but still showed up at a Georgia lawmakers session Monday at the state Capitol in downtown Atlanta.
Georgia Lawmaker Tests Positive For COVID-19, Legislature Under Quarantine
House Rep. Scot Turner blasted Beech on Facebook, saying “!’m shaking with rage. We were told if we had symptoms to refrain from going to the Capitol on Monday.”
Senator Brandon Beach “knew he was exhibiting symptoms since MARCH THE 10TH!” Turner wrote.
“I have an elderly hospice patient at home. He irresponsibly stayed all day at the Capitol on Monday after being tested on Saturday and exposed all of us.
Health officials have constantly reminded the public not to show up to work if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms that could possibly be COVID-19.The CDC has recommended that if you do feel ill, you should self-quarantine for 14 days.Turner posted an update Thursday morning, saying this: “Just wanted to let you all know that although I am not exhibiting symptoms, I will be self-quarantined until March 30th.
“This is a result of a State Senator who was symptomatic since March 10th, was tested on Saturday, and came to the Capitol anyway on Monday.I had already been practicing social distancing (except for being in the House Chamber on Monday) and have been vigorously following hand washing guidelines. I have not been in the same room as my mother-in-law since before crossover day.”No word yet on whether Gov. Brian Kemp is self-quarantining as a result of this.Atlantafi.com is bringing you the latest on the coronavirus pandemic, which has the state of Georgia and the city of Atlanta under a state of emergency. Here are some helpful links:
- Pandemic-Proof Pantry: Things To Buy Online Right Now
- Here Are Publix’s New Hours Due To Coronavirus
- Here Are Walmart’s New Hours Amid Coronavirus
- Delta Cuts Capacity Due To Coronavirus Pandemic
- SOCIAL DISTANCING GUIDE: How To Do It
- Is A Domestic Travel Ban Next? Here’s What To Know
- FREE DOWNLOAD: Print Out This Pantry List
- Trump: Nation Could Be Under COVID-19 Rules Til ‘July, August’
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Delta Air Lines and other airlines have dropped any charges for changing flights due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Coronavirus Pandemic: Airline Change Fees
The airlines are trying to cope with travel plans that have been in disarray as the nation and much of the world adjusts to the new normal due to COVID-19.
Here are the change fee policies for each airline:
Delta Air Lines
Delta is broadly waiving change fees for travel affected by COVID-19/coronavirus. That means all travel departing in March or April 2020, as well as all tickets purchased in March 2020. See Delta’s change fee policy here.
American Airlines
American Airlines is letting you cancel your flight online now. They want you to call when you’re ready to rebook. See American Airline’s change fee policy here.
If you:
- Bought your ticket before March 1, 2020, for travel through April 30, 2020, you can rebook without change fees.
- Booked your trip March 1 – March 31, 2020, for travel through January 30, 2021, you can also change your reservation at a later date without change fees.
United Airlines
United says it will continue to fly its regular schedule from Europe to the U.S. through March 20, except Houston-London and Denver-London, which they’re suspending after March 16.
From March 20 through the end of April, United expects to fly three daily flights to London and have daily service to Amsterdam, Brussels, Dublin, Paris and Zurich
See United Airline’s change fee policy here.
Southwest Airlines
As you may know, Southwest already has a no-fee policy in place for all its fares.
If you would like to rebook, you may change your travel up to 60 days from your original flight date by visiting Southwest.com/rebook.
Atlantafi.com is bringing you the latest on the coronavirus pandemic, which has the state of Georgia and the city of Atlanta under a state of emergency. Here are some helpful links:
- Pandemic-Proof Pantry: Things To Buy Online Right Now
- Here Are Publix’s New Hours Due To Coronavirus
- Here Are Walmart’s New Hours Amid Coronavirus
- Delta Cuts Capacity Due To Coronavirus Pandemic
- SOCIAL DISTANCING GUIDE: How To Do It
- Is A Domestic Travel Ban Next? Here’s What To Know
- FREE DOWNLOAD: Print Out This Pantry List
- Trump: Nation Could Be Under COVID-19 Rules Til ‘July, August’
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President Trump says it will be around “July or August” until coronavirus is under control, signaling that several months of endurance will be necessary for the American people.
The United States is increasingly in the grips of a worsening coronavirus outbreak, which has changed the way people work, socialize and entertain themselves.
New Stringent Rules For Coronavirus
Hospital beds are projected to be a major problem as cases escalate just in the coming weeks. But health authorities are also waving a flag about another challenge.
“If you don’t have enough ventilators, that means it’s obvious that people who need it won’t be able to get it, and that’s when you’re going to have to make some very tough decisions,” Dr. Anthony Fauci, who is on the White House’s Coronavirus Task Force, told CNN.
Trump issues new strict guidelines for #coronavirus: No gatherings larger than 10 people https://t.co/BSY5nqaB3Q pic.twitter.com/xu1EpdsSHJ
— ATLHAPS (@atlhaps) March 16, 2020
Here Are The 3 Rules Of Coronavirus For The U.S.
- No non-essential travel
- Social Distancing: No gatherings of more than 10 people
- Schools are closed and in some cases, aren’t expected to re-open this year
And so the new reality is that entertainment, dining out in restaurants and going to social events is just about over.
Trump also says that the economy “may be” heading toward a recession, which has spooked the stock market yet again.
In two hotspots in the country, New York and New Jersey, public officials are instituting a nighttime curfew and mobilizing the National Guard.
Will There Be A National Quarantine?
Trump was asked whether a national quarantine was something officials were considering, and he said, that regionally this was a thought, but not for the whole country.
Atlantafi.com is bringing you the latest on the coronavirus pandemic, which has the state of Georgia and the city of Atlanta under a state of emergency. Here are some helpful links:
- Pandemic-Proof Pantry: Things To Buy Online Right Now
- Here Are Publix’s New Hours Due To Coronavirus
- Here Are Walmart’s New Hours Amid Coronavirus
- Delta Cuts Capacity Due To Coronavirus Pandemic
- SOCIAL DISTANCING GUIDE: How To Do It
- Is A Domestic Travel Ban Next? Here’s What To Know
- FREE DOWNLOAD: Print Out This Pantry List
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We’re all living the
dreamnightmare right now. Coronavirus pandemic has made sure of that. It’s official that we’re all doing the social distancing thing to curtail the illness.Big cities like Atlanta and others are at a huge risk if we don’t obey recommendations from health officials at the World Health Organization and the Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control & Prevention.
This article is going to show you how to apply social distancing in your life right now.
In This Article
- What Is Social Distancing?
- Things You Can Do At Home Right Now
- Ways To Make Money Online
- Watch Free Online Movies
- 4 Ways To Make Social Distancing Work For You
What Is Social Distancing?
Social distancing, as it is being applied during the pandemic, is the practice of limiting contact with the public.
The CDC as well as WHO have recommended that people change their social interactions to stem the spread of coronavirus.
Social distancing is being practiced in Wuhan, China, South Korea and Italy, where violating some of the European city’s health rules can result in a homicide charge.
Social Distancing: 10 Things You Can Do At Home Right Now
- Read that book you’ve always wanted to
- Give yourself a new hairdo or haircut
- Rearrange the furniture in your favorite room
- Give yourself a manicure and / or pedicure
- Watch free movies on YouTube
- Sketch some drawings with a pen and a pad
- Write a poem or start a diary
- Work outside in your yard or start a garden
- Take a bubble bath and drink some wine
- Listen to your old music on CD
One of the silver linings of social distancing and self-quarantining is that you can actually make money while you self-isolate.
How To Make Money Online While You Self-Isolate
Here are some apps that allow you to make money online and even get cash back for purchases. All you have to do is download:
Watch Free Movies Online
Speaking of the internet, there’s so much to do online, but nothing beats watching movies without paying for them.
I’m not talking about anything illegal. Check out these FREE sources for free movies online.
Social Distancing: 4 Ways To Self Isolate
Here are four ways to implement social distancing in your life:
1. Stop Large Gatherings
If you choose to interact with other people, keep the groups small. It’s imperative that you limit the number of people at your gathering.
This is especially true if you’re hosting at your place. The question you need to ask is ‘Do you know where EVERYBODY’s been?’
If you can’t answer that question, it’s best to chill on the parties / gatherings for now.
2. Change Up Your Schedule
Because you need to avoid mass gatherings, you’re going to have to switch things up when it comes to your schedule.
You’ll need to change your schedule so that you’re not around crowds of people. For school settings, here are some things that you’ll modify:
- Stagger recess, entry / dismissal times
- Limit school interactions
- Do E-learning, if you can
3. Check Your Health Regularly
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, you’re going to have to get health checks on a regular basis.
Every so often, you’re going to have to monitor the following two things:
- Temperature
- Respiratory symptoms
If you’re around children, students, staff or co-workers, or any visitors, health officials are suggesting that you check their temperature and respiratory symptoms as well.
4. Practice Short-Term Absenteeism
Yes, you may need to consider getting ghost in certain environments, whether it be your place of employment, church or school.
Even if you’ve planned to do so, the idea is to not show up. During this safety-minded time, everyone will understand.
When you are absent, this is the ideal time for the facility you’ve left to clean and disinfect.
Final Word
Not to be paranoid, but social distancing is not the same as being a hermit. That being said, it only works if you’re vigilant and selective about who you interact with.
You need to stay away from people who are at an increased risk of getting sick. That means you’ll have to consider implementing plans to do things alone like watching movies and more.
Atlantafi.com is bringing you the latest on the coronavirus pandemic, which has the state of Georgia and the city of Atlanta under a state of emergency. Here are some helpful links:
- ATLANTA CORONAVIRUS GUIDE: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
- How To Get Tested For COVID-19 In Atlanta
- Social Distancing Guide: How To Do It
- COVID-9 Protection: How To Make a Face And Face Covering
- Georgia Lockdown & Re-Opening: Everything You Need To Know
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Responding to the coronavirus pandemic, Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms declared a state of emergency for the city on Sunday, March 15, 2020.
Lance Bottoms tweeted that she enacted the measure to slow the spread of the virus, which is spreading in the metro area.
Coronavirus Pandemic: Atlanta Mayor Declares State of Emergency
“In an effort to slow the spread of the Coronavirus, I have declared a State of Emergency within the city of Atlanta, prohibiting large public gatherings of more than 250 people,” she posted.
Lance Bottoms tweeted two pages of the declaration, which says,
In an effort to slow the spread of the Coronavirus, I have declared a State of Emergency within the city of Atlanta, prohibiting large public gatherings of more than 250 people. pic.twitter.com/D8A3vwjtYW
— Keisha Lance Bottoms (@KeishaBottoms) March 15, 2020
The news came the same day that the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) recommended that for the next eight weeks, organizers cancel or postpone in-person events that consist of 50 people or more throughout the United States.
Examples of large events and mass gatherings include conferences, festivals, parades, concerts, sporting events, weddings, and other types of assemblies,” the CDC says in its guidance. “These events can be planned not only by organizations and communities but also by individuals.”
After learning of the Atlanta-based CDC’s recommendation, Lance Bottoms later tweeted: “This is a quickly evolving public health crisis. The CDC’s recommendation of limiting public gatherings to 50 people came just as I was signing and announcing this Order. We will continue to evaluate and adjust our policies accordingly.”
Roads around the city on Sunday were unusually empty at times, a sign that residents were doing their best to stay at home during the pandemic.
What Does The Atlanta State Of Emergency Mean For You?
For individual Atlantans, the state of emergency means that many of the city’s annual large events are in limbo or canceled.
As of now, the city’s restrictions include:
- No public gatherings of 10 or more
- No dining inside restaurants
- Closure of all bars and gyms
Some parks, local monuments and the Beltline remain open as of now, but the city is under pressure to close them as well.
Huge festivals that usually take place in venues like Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the Georgia World Congress Center and even Piedmont Park are having to be reconsidered.
Atlanta has taken several steps already to curtail the coronavirus, including cancellation of the NCAA Men’s Final Four, Atlanta United matches and more.
Atlantafi.com is bringing you the latest on the coronavirus pandemic, which has the state of Georgia and city of Atlanta under a state of emergency. Here are some helpful links:
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As you well know, the coronavirus pandemic has changed society as we know it. the illness has made “social distancing” a reality for millions of Americans.
If you’re going to do this social distancing thing, you’ll need to stock up on some items (not toilet paper).
Checklist: Your Pantry List For Home Preparedness
We’re going to show you a list of what you need to buy for your pantry. At the bottom, get your FREE printable pantry list from Atlantafi.com.
- Baby Formula
- Baby Food
- Baking Soda
- Baking Powder
- Canned Tuna
- Canned Chicken
- Vienna Sausage
- Canned Turkey
- Canned Chili (Vegetarian)
- Canned Fruit Cocktail
- Canned Mixed Greens (Seasoned)
- Canned Green Beans
- Chicken Noodle Soup
- Evaporated Milk
- Granola
- Kind Bars, Peanut Butter Chocolate
- Noodles and Beef
- Nuts, Pine
- Nuts, Mixed & Salted
- Trail Mix
Emergency Supplies: Other Products You Need
- Paper Towels
- Trash Bags
- Hand Sanitizer
- Pet food, cat litter
- Disposable diapers
- Feminine supplies (sanitary napkins)
- Flashlight
- Portable radio
- Batteries for flashlights, radios, games, thermometers
- Manual can opener
- Plastic garbage bags
- Tissues and toilet paper
DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE PRINTABLE PANTRY LIST HERE
(The pantry list will be in PDF form, which you can download).
f you’re a health nut and want more local healthy food choices, perhaps you’ll be interested in our Guide to Local Farmers Markets.
We also have special coverage of Black Farmers In Atlanta as well as How To Keto In Atlanta.
More Food Coverage:
- How To Apply For Atlanta’s Senior Food Program
- Where To Eat In Atlanta
- Best Restaurants On The Atlanta Beltline Right Now
Atlantafi.com is bringing you the latest on the coronavirus pandemic. Here are some helpful links:
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Music artist, actor and former Stone Mountain resident Donald Glover dropped a new album overnight on Sunday, March 15, just what we need to enjoy our “social distancing.”
Glover, who stars in the FX series Atlanta, is a huge music star with hits like This is America, Feels Like Summer, Redbone.
Donald Glover Presents: New Album
The new Childish Gambino album is streaming on DonaldGloverPresents.com, a new website that was spread on social media byGlover’s manager Fam Rothstein.
Donald Glover Presents https://t.co/dg9nzzVK9N
— #1. (@FASHIONSPITTA) March 15, 2020
There are so many Atlanta events popping off every week it’s hard to keep up with it all. That’s why I suggest you subscribe to AtlantaFi.com to get all the freshest gatherings, Atlanta happenings, parties and more delivered to your inbox.
Things to do in Atlanta on a weekly basis can range from going golfing mid-week to checking out the latest restaurant openings. At AtlantaFi.com, we curate the city for you!
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