A stay-at-home order has been issued by Barrow County authorities, and will take effect at midnight Tuesday. All non-essential businesses have also been ordered to close by the county Board of Commissioners .
Unless extended, the order will remain in effect for a period of two weeks, ending at 11:59 p.m. on April 13. The measure was taken as a growing number of city, county and state officials look to combat the spread of COVID-19 across the state.
The provision to stay at home applies to all county residents, who are allowed to leave their homes in order to conduct activities described by a press release from Barrow County Emergency Services as "essential to their own health and safety and that of family/household members, partners, significant others and pets."
"Essential activities include, but are not limited to, obtaining food, medication and medical supplies, household consumer supplies and healthcare services or caring for a family member or pet in another household," the release said.
Barrow County Public Information Officer Scott Dakin said residents will be permitted to engage in outdoor activity only as long as they are complying with social distancing requirements. These activities include, but are not limited to, walking, hiking, running or bicycling.
All businesses in Barrow County deemed "non-essential" will be required to close, except in order to maintain a minimum basic level of operations.
Essential businesses are being encouraged to remain in operation.
"Such businesses include healthcare, grocery stores; organizations that provide food, shelter and social services to those in need; news agencies; gas stations, auto supply and auto repair shops; shipping and receiving; banks; and restaurants that offer delivery, takeout or drive-thru service."
Any businesses remaining in operation are expected to comply with ongoing social distance requirements to the greatest extent feasible.
Some exceptions were included in the order, especially pertaining to essential governmental functions and infrastructure.
The press release described these as:
"Public works construction, private construction and related activities, utilities, telecommunications and solid waste services. First responders, emergency management personnel, 911 dispatchers, court personnel, law enforcement personnel and others who
perform essential services, such as healthcare workers"
All public or private gatherings outside a household or living unit will be prohibited during the next two weeks, expect for the limited number of purposes expressly mentioned in the order.
The full ordinance issued by county commissioners can be found here.
