State Adds 329 New COVID-19 Cases, Six Deaths, In Wednesday Reports For Northeast Health District; Two Deaths In Clarke County

***UGA Reports Increase In Positive Tests And Positivity Rate***

The Department of Public Health reported on Wednesday that the Northeast Health District added 280 confirmed cases of COVID-19 based on molecular tests, 49 cases based on antigen tests, and three deaths attributed to the disease, including one in Clarke County.

The Department of Community Health also reported three deaths from the disease at area long-term care facilities, including one in Clarke County.

The Clarke County death listed in the Daily Status report was of a 57-year-old male with a chronic condition. His death brings to 56 the number of deaths from the disease in Clarke County based on the official count of the Department of Public Health.

Access To Oconee Connector A Central Issue In Rezone Request For Proposed Mars Hill Road Shopping Center

***Planning Staff Recommends Changes In Concept Plan***

A shopping center needs entrances, and Sembler Corporation, a shopping center developer out of St. Petersburg, Fla., has proposed that its planned $50 million commercial center at the corner of Mars Hill Road and the Oconee Connector have six.

The main entrance that is proposed is off the Oconee Connector, about half way between SR 316 and the Connector’s intersection with Mars Hill Road and Daniells Bridge Road.

Property owner Deferred Tax LLC, which is seeking approval from the county for its plans, has said it will seek permission from the state to install a traffic light that will allow traffic from all directions to enter and leave the shopping center.