Gov. Kemp orders Georgians vulnerable to COVID-19 to stay home, closes bars and nightclubs

"I am pleased to report that we have continued to function and operate as your local government. "

Good Afternoon,

One week after the Proclamation on Declaring a National Emergency concerning the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak from President Trump, I wanted to update our community on the current conditions of our local government and our operations. 

During a Special Called Meeting last night (Thursday, March 19, 2020) the City Council approved and enacted a local emergency ordinance that enables us to continue operating within certain parameters with allowances of meeting the immediate needs of our local government and community and to avoid unnecessary delays as it relates to costs and time.  Specifically, this ordinance is a necessary measure so that we can minimize disruptions in providing our community with the essential services of water, waste water, police and fire services that may arise with the uncertainties that seem to develop daily.

By Beau Evans
Staff Writer
Capitol Beat News Service
 ATLANTA - Gov. Brian Kemp said he does not plan currently to impose any statewide mandatory curfews, business closures or forced quarantines following the confirmed deaths Thursday of 10 people infected with coronavirus in Georgia.

   For the time being, the governor said he will leave it up to local officials whether to shut down businesses or require people to stay home. He is urging people to avoid social gatherings, wash their hands regularly and call their doctor first    before showing up at the hospital if they are sick.

Family / Photo

Families are adapting to the new online learning model. Here, (clockwise from far left to right) Eli, Angelina, Ethan, Hannah, and Lilie Grizzle use Chromebooks, personal laptops, and good ol’ paper and pencil to complete assignments at home instead of in the classroom. 

     Check out this week's print or online edition at this link for coverage of local businesses, schools, and government bodies as they adjust to concerns over the COVID-19 outbreak.

Bars, restaurants, hotels and retail stores across Georgia are bearing the brunt of the economic impact of the coronavirus crisis.

By Dave Williams
Bureau Chief
Capitol Beat News Service
 
ATLANTA - Bars, restaurants, hotels and retail stores across Georgia are bearing the brunt of the economic impact of the coronavirus crisis.
Restaurants are closing the dine-in portions of their businesses to prevent the spread of the virus and limiting their operations to drive-through and takeout orders.
Stores are limiting their hours of operation, cutting employee hours or laying off workers entirely.