Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners Chairwoman Charlotte Nash and leaders of the county's 16 cities issued mandatory stay at home orders Friday to help slow the spread of COVID-19.
According to a press release from the county, the order allows residents of the county and cities effected to leave their homes only for essential reasons including purchasing food, medication, household supplies, healthcare services and caring for a family member or pet in another household. Residents may also leave the home for outdoor activities such as running, biking or walking as long as they maintain social distancing requirements.
The order also applies to businesses that operate within the county and its 16 cities, only excluding those deemed essential. Businesses within these limits must stop all activity except for that which is necessary to keep the business running. Such activities include security measures, as well as processing payroll and employee benefits.
The order encourages all essential businesses to remain open; those include healthcare, grocery stores, certified farmer's markets, organizations that provide food, shelter and services to those in need, news agencies, gas stations, auto supply and auto repair shops, banks and restaurants that offer delivery, take-out or drive-thru service. Employees of these businesses are permitted to leave their homes for work.
This order further allows essential government functions and essential infrastructure to continue operations, including public works construction, private construction, utilities, telecommunications and solid waste services. First responders and other emergency personnel are also exempt from the order.
The Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce reported in a press release that they will provide guidance for local businesses relating to state and local ordinances through their website, GwinnettChamber.org.
The order will go into effect at 12:01 a.m. on March 28th and remain in effect through 11:59 on April 13th unless amended or extended.
