Hi, Atlanta!

The upcoming FIFA World Cup activities in Atlanta formed a big part of the discussion at this week’s Fulton County Board of Health board meeting. 

The agency is working with partners like the state Department of Public Health, the City of Atlanta, Grady Health, and many others to try to ensure the area is prepared for a safe and healthy experience for the thousands expected to attend, including many from overseas. 

Atlanta is among 16 cities hosting the World Cup matches in the United States, Canada and Mexico, with eight matches at Mercedes-Benz Stadium from June 15 to July 15.

Here are a couple of key takeaways: 

🌭 Food matters. A lot. Making sure that the many restaurants and pop-up food trucks that will be serving visitors are ready for the events has been what health director Dr. Marcus Plescia called “the heaviest lift.” 

The agency has inspected food preparation facilities at venues like Mercedes-Benz Stadium and the Georgia World Congress Center. During the Fan Festival in Centennial Park, the agency plans to have about 40 field inspectors conducting routine inspections of vendors. 

They will also be able to follow up on complaints, environmental health director Brandon Leftwich said. The agency has recruited about 15 workers from other health districts to help with the inspections.

🦠 Officials are preparing for measles or other outbreaks. Several agencies will need to coordinate if an outbreak occurs – and there might not always be clear lines of authority. 

Chief Epidemiologist Sasha Smith said each county’s health department would be responsible for case investigation and contact tracing for outbreaks in their jurisdictions. If someone living in, say, DeKalb contracts measles, that county’s health agency will be responsible. The state DPH will be responsible for travelers, Smith said. 

Members of the epidemiology team are also participating in weekly FIFA planning meetings and other preparation activities. 

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