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The coronavirus pandemic has shut down small and large churches across the nation, including in Georgia, the heart of the Bible Belt. No state re-opening has been as controversial as Georgia’s.
Georgia churches are still allowed to have religious services but they must adhere to strict public health guidelines issued by the Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) and enforced by local officials.
Will Churches Be Allowed To Open In 2020?
Those health guidelines make up a trinity of basic hygiene measures, including:
- Social distancing
- Wearing masks, face coverings, gloves and other PPE
- Limiting gatherings of 10 or more people
One of the dilemmas for Georgia pastors and other religious leaders is how to accommodate the elderly, who typically make up a large portion of the contributions flowing into a given church.
Some preachers have thought about using a ticketing system to reward those ones with in-person services, but when those numbers get close to 10, things become much more dangerous.
Here’s When Georgia Can Re-Open Bars and Clubs
Still, others have stopped tuning into church altogether or accused the state of banning religious services, which is a constitutional issue.
“In-person services were never banned,” Gov. Brian Kemp tweeted in response to criticism over church closings. “We have encouraged — and continue to encourage — online and remote services.”
He added: “In-person services should always practice social distancing and work to implement sanitation procedures to keep congregations safe.”
As far whether Georgia churches will be allowed to open this year, much depends on the virus. As Georgia’s numbers go up and down, state officials will likely keep gatherings tamped down.
That means church leaders will have to get creative. Many are doing teleconferencing services and other video systems, which are likely to continue.
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. More definitive advice on health, please visit CDC.gov. Here are some helpful links:
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If you have a video interview planned via Zoom or another videoconferencing system, you’re going to have to put your best foot forward to get the job. That means you’ll have to look the part and sound like it, too.
Video interviews are intimidating to many job candidates because of their unfamiliarity, but the key to it is feeling comfortable.
Video Interview: Everything You Need To Know
This article is going to show you how to ace a video interview so that you can get hired.
In This Article:
- How To Do Well On A Video Interview
- What Videoconferencing Services Should You Use?
- What Kind of Questions Are Raised In A Video Interview?
- What To Wear In A video Interview
- Video Interview Tips
How To Do Well On A Video Interview
The video interview is the newest way employers are fielding job candidates for their companies. The process is largely the same as an in-person interview only it’s done remotely.
To nail the interview, you want to come across confident and assured in your abilities and skills.
Of course, if you’ve made it to the interview stage, your awesome resume has done its part. Now it’s up to you to seal the deal.
What Videoconferencing Services Should You Use?
If you your would-be employer hasn’t recommended which videoconferencing service to use, perhaps you might want to suggest one you’re most comfortable with.
Some of the best videoconferencing services for interview include:
What Kind Of Questions Are Asked In A Video Interview?
Here are some popular questions and answers you’ll need to know so that you can handle this part of the video interview.
Question: Why do you want to work here?”
Answer: “I want to work here to explore new challenges that are important in my career development.” Go on to explain some positives about the company/position and ask them to expand on them.
Question: “Tell me a time when you were unsuccessful at work?”
Answer: “There were a few times when the results I received from my work were less than I expected.” Go to expand on how you turned a challenge into an opportunity.
Question: “Where do you see yourself in five years?”
Answer: “I see myself with a track record of successes that will continue to help the company’s stature as well as their bottom line.” You can use this to pivot to some successes you note about the company.
Question: “What skills would you bring to the job?”
Answer: “I bring X-amount of years of experience in [given profession].” Again, use this opportunity to shine a light on your resume as well as some things that you want them to know about you.
What To Wear In A Video Interview
Contrary to popular belief, you do need to wear clothes below the waist in a video interview. The reason is because not only do you want to look professional, but you want to feel like it.
Dress the part by having on a complete suit for your video interview. It will also help keep you in a professional mindset, which is crucial.
Video Interview Tips
The key to a successful video interview is to make sure you’re comfortable. Here are five tips to make the most of it:
- Set up your video in a secluded and quiet place in your home
- Make sure you have adequate lighting, but not too much light
- Check your internet connection for lags or interruptions
- Make sure your webcam shows clear and not grainy
- Dress professional and yes, wear pants
- Make sure the camera is centered on your face
- Ensure no distracting objects are in the background
Bottom Line
A video interview is one of the most convenient ways to get a job these days. Not only does it save you time and gas money, but it lets the employer process your position a lot quicker.
Because of the speedy process, you’ll be able to know if you got the job or not, in a short period of time. If you’ve followed the steps in our Video Interview Guide, let us know if you landed the job!
Metro Atlanta’s hot economy has slowed of late due to the COVID-19, but that’s OK. Check out our Coronavirus Resource Guide and find out how to make and save money.We currently have job articles that show you high-paying jobs, those close to downtown and even side hustles you might like.If you’re looking to get hired in Atlanta right now, there’s a very real possibility that you can land your dream job. -
Delta Air Lines will temporarily cease operations in 10 metropolitan airports around the nation. The Atlanta-based carrier made the decision to “minimize their COVID-19 exposure risk” to its workers, the company says in a news article.
Delta Air Lines To No Longer Service These Airports
The changes are set to take effect on May 13, the airline says. The list of airports all have nearby airports that the company will continue flying to and from.
Delta has been hit especially hard by the coronavirus pandemic, which has crippled the world’s travel industry, including the airlines.
Here are the airports Delta will no longer fly into and out of:
Temporarily Suspended Airport Nearest Delta-Served Airport Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) Oakland International Airport (OAK) San Francisco International Airport (SFO) Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Long Beach Airport (LGB) Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) T. F. Green International Airport (PVD) Logan International Airport (BOS) Westchester County Airport (HPN) LaGuardia Airport (LGA) Stewart International Airport (SWF) John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) Akron-Canton Airport (CAK) Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT) Logan International Airport (BOS) Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport (PHF) Norfolk International Airport (ORF) 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. More definitive advice on health, please visit CDC.gov. Here are some helpful links:
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If you’re a travel head like many people, you are very eager to test the waters and book a flight right now. The problem is that there’s this coronavirus pandemic that has totally stopped travel.
But one thing it slowed down considerably (but not stopped) is air travel. There are some great airfares on sale and you may be wondering if you should book.
Here are some things you may want to consider before spending money on air travel.
Cheap Airfare
Yes, you’re going to be able to find cheap airfare during this pandemic, no question about it. The reason is because many airlines are hemorrhaging money.
That’s why you’ll see fares like Atlanta to Los Angeles for less than $200. As state manage the ebb and flow of COVID-19 outbreaks, you’ll see prices go up and down.
As to whether you should buy cheap fares right now, it’s totally up to you. If you’re comfortable with flying in and out of airports to destinations inside and out of the United States, it’s a person decision.
New Health Protocols
The airline industry is also overhauling the way it approaches sanitation amid this health crisis. That means you can expect a totally difference experience toward hygiene and bathroom cleaning procedures.
Many airlines are using electrostatic anti-microbial spray treatments and disinfectants, cleaning the planes between flights to make sure customers feel safe.
Another thing they’re doing is limiting the number of passengers onboard, and changing the boarding process to promote personal space.
Flight Destinations
You’ll also need to consider where you’re flying to more carefully. If you plan to visit a city or country that is a known coronavirus hotspot, you may want to think twice or alter your itinerary.
It’s true that some airlines have resumed flights to Europe, despite a travel ban, but that doesn’t mean you have to book.
Also, quarantine measures differ around the world. It’s very possible you may land and — based on someone on your flight — be forced to spend the first 14 days of your trip in self-isolation.
Bottom Line
The bottom line is that you have the personal freedom to decide how you want to live your life. Of course, you’ll want to take into consideration your health and the welfare of others.
The best airfares and vacations in the world aren’t worth your ability to enjoy them.
If that means that you choose not to fly — or you alter your travel plans dramatically — certainly for the public good you may decide to do that.
Once you get your passport, you should be ready for your trip. Make sure you have found the cheapest flights from Atlanta that are on sale.To Atlanta is one of the most convenient places to travel to and from. A large part of that is because Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport is so accessible.
More Articles Like This:
Traveling Soon? Check Out Our International Checklist
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The execution-style slaying of Ahmaud Arbery has startled Georgians and much of the nation even as they cope with the coronavirus pandemic.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigations announced that the father-son duo who shot him are in custody.
2 Men Arrested In Slaying Of Ahmaud Arbery
“On May 7th, 2020, the GBI arrested Gregory McMichael, age 64, and Travis McMichael, age 34, for the death of Ahmaud Arbery,” the GBI news release says. “They were both charged with murder and aggravated assault. The McMichaels were taken into custody and will be booked into the Glynn County Jail.”
Phot credit: GBI Earlier in the day, Gov. Brian Kemp weighed in, calling the death of Arbery “absolutely horrific.” Kemp expressed support for the GBI investigation as it seeks the truth.
Georgia Gov. Kemp: Ahmaud Arbery Slaying ‘Absolutely Horrific’
Cell phone video taken on February 23 shows Arbery of Brunswick jogging down a neighborhood street when he is confronted by two armed men, one of whom is seen in a truck.
Officials in Glynn County in South Georgia have been playing hot potato with the case, which was largely unknown until the video circulated on social media earlier this week.
Now justice is in the hands of a grand jury, which has to decide whether to file charges. The truth though is that during a pandemic, it is highly unlikely a grand jury will even be seated.
As public attention and anger mounts, GBI Director Vic Reynolds told reporters that he is putting three investigators on the case.
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp says he reviewed the video of Ahmaud Arbery's death, calling it "absolutely horrific."
"I have full confidence in Vic Reynolds and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation… to find the truth." https://t.co/zOzQzOK0gK pic.twitter.com/Vnldldn3MB
— ABC News (@ABC) May 7, 2020
“Earlier this week I watched the video,” Kemp said, adding that “Georgians deserve the truth.”
For all two many, especially in the South, the visual of a black man running while two white men with guns follow in hot pursuit harkens back to a time when freedom meant different things to different people.
Arbery’s family is calling for the arrest of the two men, who are father and son.
Gregory and Travis McMichael have told authorities that they thought Arbery fit the description of a burglar who had been seen in the area recently.
Wanda Cooper Jones, told reporters her son was just jogging like he does every day.
“I saw my son come into the world,” Jones said, according to CBS News. “And seeing him leave the world, it’s not something that I’ll want to see ever.”
“These men were vigilantes, they were a posse and they performed a modern lynching in the middle of the day,” Lee Merritt, an attorney for Arbery’s mother, was quoted as saying.
On the video, you can see Travis McMichael struggle with Arbery for the gun before you hear a gunblast, then another one to the chest.
In the police report, McMichael reportedly says that Arbery “began to violently attack” him, leaving him no choice but to shoot.
The truth, when it comes out, may be an entirely different matter.
Meanwhile, Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms posted on Twitter about the slaying, saying: “Honestly and selfishly, I didn’t want to watch the murder of #AhmaudArbery. I didn’t want to feel that nauseating churn of my stomach I get each time “it” happens. But that feeling doesn’t compare to the loss and sadness of his and too many other families. May justice be served.”
Also on social media, Atlanta music mogul Jermaine Dupri posed many of the questions about the case that everyone wants to know.
Among Dupri’s queries was “Who filmed this?” Listen to what he has to say:
@jermainedupri Jermaine Dupri Speaks On The Murder of Ahmaud Aubrey.
Justice For 🇺🇸Ahmaud Aubrey"🇺🇸
He Must Be Respected And Appreciated and His Family Compensated. 🇺🇸
And The People That Done This Hate Crime Must Be Arrested.#HR40#AhmaudAubrey pic.twitter.com/xWbtRa9tYH— Step Seven Justice SSJ (@stepseven7) May 7, 2020
Meanwihile, people around the nation planned to run for Arbery, who was an avid jogger. Activists and others used the hashtag #IRunwithAhmaud to show their support.
Americans Run With Ahmaud
They showed their support in the following cities:
From Detroit:
Today was brutal, but I ran my 2.23 miles (I know it says 2.24) for Ahmaud Arbery. Ahmaud would have turned 26 years old today. 🙏🏾 #RunWithMaud #IRunwithAhmaud #JusticeForAhmaudArbery pic.twitter.com/Gq2f56Wxnc
— Aya M. Waller-Bey, MPhil (@Aya__Marie) May 8, 2020
From Kentucky:
#IRunwithAhmaud Walked 2.23 miles in honor of Ahmaud Arbery and to express love and support for his parents and loved ones.
Lexington, KY pic.twitter.com/cjqqwCC0fn— Robert Antrobus (@antrobus_robert) May 8, 2020
From Tennessee:
Hailey and I went out this morning to #IRunwithAhmaud. Today would be his birthday and he was gunned down by Georgia racists who were not arrested until millions saw video of these murderers gun down a young man jogging in his neighborhood. Love & strength to his family. pic.twitter.com/yCxDK6gPhS
— #IRunwithMaud (@VoteGloriaJ) May 8, 2020
From Minnesota:
I ran 2.23+ miles tonight for Ahmaud Arbery whose life was cut short when he was shot & killed while going for a run on 2/23. Let us run & live life w/kindness, compassion & love for everyone, esp those who have been mistreated, hurt, misjudged, & discriminated. #IRunWithAhmaud pic.twitter.com/8g49PpWNY4
— Michael Benjamin, MSW, LICSW (@mbenjamin_msw) May 8, 2020
From Ohio:
I will not be afraid to run through my city, state, or country by myself with my head up at anytime of day. I tip my cap to all my black brothers this morning. With heavy hearts and deep thoughts WE PRESS ON. ✊🏾 … WE ALL PRESS ON! #irunwithahmaud #iwillruninmycountry pic.twitter.com/povzeVrj1f
— Micah A. Mills (@Coachm_m) May 7, 2020
The GBI says the investigations are all active and ongoing. If anyone has information related to these cases, please contact the GBI at 1-800-597-TIPS (8477).
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. More definitive advice on health, please visit CDC.gov. Here are some helpful links:
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It’s almost back to business for Atlanta filmmaker Tyler Perry. His much-heralded Tyler Perry Studios is close to restarting production amid the coronavirus pandemic.
That means his partnership with BET, which has produced “The Oval,” and “Sistas,” may resume some time in the near future.
Tyler Perry Studios Close To Re-Opening In Atlanta
He recently got approval from the city of Atlanta to use additional housing on his 330-acre tract at Fort MacPherson, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Tyler Perry Studios will implement rigorous health protocols, including testing, for all those who are summoned back to work, the AJC reports.
It is expected that Perry will use the extra housing to keep crew and actors on the property throughout shooting and production.
Meanwhile, BET Plus, Perry’s streaming service with the black entertainment network, continues to roll out new episodes of new content.
Hey!! #SistasOnBET #TheOvalOnBET #Ruthless #TylerPerryBruh on @betplus pic.twitter.com/VUmOuVbAd4
— Tyler Perry (@tylerperry) May 6, 2020
A lot of people who either move to Atlanta or have been here for a while want to work with Tyler Perry Studios. If you’re one of them, check out our guide on how to get hired there.
How To Get A Job At Tyler Perry Studios
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. More definitive advice on health, please visit CDC.gov. Here are some helpful links:
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The city of Atlanta in conjunction with Invest Atlanta has created the $1,500 creATL Relief Fund to help artists and freelancers recover from the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The creATL Relief Fund was set up to help those working in Atlanta’s gig economy who are hit hard by the pandemic. Those gigs include such disciplines as film, music and entertainment.
Relief Fund Aimed To Help Atlanta Gig Workers
The good news is that the creATL Relief Fund is a grant, which means it doesn’t have to be paid back. Still, those that get it are expected to use it to further their creative endeavors.
“Atlanta is a vibrant city and international hub for creatives and entertainment industry leaders,” said Mayor Bottoms. “We want to ensure our talent and cultural arts sectors are stable and well-supported during this time. This fund will help our creative artists continue to enrich our lives and our communities.
CreATL Relief Fund: How To Apply
Grants will be awarded based on a lottery system. If you’re interested in applying for the creATL Relief Fund, here are some of the primary requirements:
- Must be a resident of Atlanta for at least the last six months
- Must be able to establish a history of “gig” or freelance work
- Must be able to demonstrate a financial need for the money
Grant awards are subject to the conditions of the program. All eligibility requirements and application information are available on Invest Atlanta’s website at www.investatlanta.com/creATL.
See More Atlanta Coronavirus Resources Here
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. More definitive advice on health, please visit CDC.gov. Here are some helpful links:
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Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms is astonished at the number of people who are no longer practicing social distancing and other safety guidelines amid the coronavirus pandemic.
“I was so taken aback this weekend when I saw so many people out,” she told MSNBC this weekend. “I thought that maybe something had changed, that maybe this still not a highly contagious virus that thousands of people were dying from each day.”
Atlanta Mayor Aghast At Number Of People Out Amid COVID-19 Pandemic
Indeed, one week after Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp “re-opened” the state, masses of people could be seen congregating in parks, outside busy streets and even in some restaurants.
All of which flies in the face of the guidelines issued by the Atlanta-based Centers of Disease Control & Prevention, which clearly has advised that people take the virus seriously by doing the following:
- Wearing a mask or face covering in close contact with others
- Standing at least 6 feet from one another
- Washing your hands more frequently and not touching common surfaces
“The reality in Georgia is that … many people heard what they wanted to hear, but my message is consistent: I am still encouraging people to stay home,”Lance Bottoms says.
Nowhere was her message more relevant than at Lenox Square mall, which opened its doors for the first time in more than a month on May 4.
Throngs of people were seen on social media waiting to enter the mall, which is one of many that has re-opened.
HAPPENING NOW— This is the line to get inside @LenoxSqMall. They are about to open for the first time since March 18th @11AliveNews pic.twitter.com/SRVThKIL0E
— Maura Sirianni 11Alive (@MauraSirianni) May 4, 2020
Lance Bottoms says the facts are that this is still a highly contagious virus, especially among African-Americans, who are dying disproportionately to others.
“When we look at other countries and see how they’ve gotten to the other side of this, it’s very simple: They’ve stayed in to flatten the curve. And we’re nowhere near there in Georgia.”
"I was so taken aback this weekend when I saw so many people out…I thought that maybe something had changed, that maybe this still not a highly contagious virus that thousands of people were dying from each day." Mayor @KeishaBottoms with @AriMelber on #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/tA0343eN3T
— City of Atlanta, GA (@CityofAtlanta) May 4, 2020
On CNN, Lance Bottoms says she is going to stand her ground despite what’s happening around Atlanta.
“What it really feels like to me is that there is this testing of the waters and willingness to sacrifice people for the economy. And I’m not willing to sacrifice my children or my mother, all of whom are asthmatic,” she says.
Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms is pushing back against GA Gov. Kemp’s reopening orders. “Nothing has changed about Covid-19… what it really feels like to me, anyway, is that there is this testing of the waters and willingness to sacrifice people for the sake of our economy.” pic.twitter.com/FMenD3JwYp
— CNN (@CNN) May 6, 2020
“I saw so many people over the weekend who had no consideration of putting themselves and others at risk,” she says.
CNN says one study found that more than 80% of those hospitalized in Georgia were African-American.
Responding to that, Lance Bottoms says, “We are continuing to provide resources to people .. but so much of it really is about education, education, education.”
"The feedback that I am receiving is that people are not ready for us to open back up." – Mayor @KeishaBottoms to @JovitaMoore on reopening Atlanta during the #COVID19 pandemic. pic.twitter.com/YqEvAIx26V
— City of Atlanta, GA (@CityofAtlanta) May 5, 2020
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. More definitive advice on health, please visit CDC.gov. Here are some helpful links:
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The OWN TV series Greenleaf indicates that it will wrap its final season in a tantalizing teaser video the network posted on Sunday, May 3.
Greenleaf, which stars Merle Dandridge. Lynn Whitfield as Lady Mae Greenleaf. and Keith David as Bishop James Greenleaf, is set to debut its fourth and final season in June 2020.
Greenleaf Series Officially Ending
Filmed in Atlanta, the series delved into the trials and tribulations of a religious family at the helm of a megachurch.
It was gotten three nominations from the NAACP Image Awards, including Outstanding Drama Series, Outstanding Writing in a Dramatic TV Series and Whitfield was tapped for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series.
It looks like the coming season will be a good one. That’s because the matriarch seems to finally turn his united family into the humble servants they pretend to be for much of their screentime.
It remains to be seen whether Oprah Winfrey will return as Mavis McCready.
Here is the teaser video from OWN:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MkLnQBw-Y-0
Atlanta has become a movie mecca in recent years and Georgia has been a favorite location for TV productions since the state instituted generous tax breaks for film companies that agree to shoot locally. Projects from CBS, NBC, HBO, BET and more are slated to shoot in the metro area in 2018-19 and the foreseeable future.
With more than 800 movie and TV projects just in the last few years, the film industry has generated more than $9 billion for the state of Georgia.There are so many movies filmed in Atlanta these days that it’s hard to keep up with it all. That’s why I suggest you subscribe to AtlantaFi.com to get all the freshest movie casting calls, celeb sightings and Atlanta happenings delivered to your inbox.Want to work in Georgia film & TV? Here are the latest Atlanta casting calls
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A new HBO series produced by Jordan Peele and filmed in Atlanta is ready for prime time. Here is the Lovecraft Country trailer, which dropped recently.
“Lovecraft Country” is a drama horror series based on the novel by author Matt Ruff. Peele’s Monkeypaw Productions is worked on the project along with Bad Robot.
Watch: ‘Lovecraft Country’ Trailer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvamPJp17Ds
Earlier this year, the series had a bunch of casting calls around the city, adding to the excitement.
Lovecraft Country was created by Peele and Misha Green. It stars Abbey Lee, Chase Brown and Aunjanue Ellis, among other people.
Where Was Lovecraft Country Filmed?
Lovecraft Country was filmed in parts of Atlanta as well as rural parts of Georgia, including Macon. The HBO series also filmed in suburban Chicago, including White Pines State Park in Mount Morris, Illinois.
With more than 700 movie and TV projects just in the last few years, the film industry has generated more than $9 billion for the state of Georgia.There are so many movies filmed in Atlanta these days that it’s hard to keep up with it all. That’s why I suggest you subscribe to AtlantaFi.com to get all the freshest movie casting calls, celeb sightings and Atlanta happenings delivered to your inbox.Want to work in Georgia film & TV? Here are the latest Atlanta casting calls
