From the City of Alpharetta:https://www.alpharetta.ga.us/community/news/2020/03/27/multiple-public-policies-in-effect-to-address-covid-19-threat
Multiple Public Policies In Effect To Address COVID-19 Threat
Released March 27, 2020 10:18 AM
The City of Alpharetta has adopted a series of emergency ordinances since Governor Brian Kemp announced statewide recommendations to guide local governments as they work to protect their communities from the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic. While Alpharetta officials believe that residents are generally following the emergency measures, they are concerned that some may be unaware of them or simply are not taking the situation seriously enough.
“Public response to our calls for dramatic changes to everyone’s typical daily behavior in the face of the COVID-19 threat has been tremendous,” said Alpharetta Mayor Jim Gilvin, “and we are grateful to everyone who has embraced these policies and is doing their part in the fight. Unfortunately, we still have some people who either do not know all of our current policies or don’t fully appreciate the consequences of not complying.”
Several measures enacted by the City, Fulton County, or the State of Georgia are currently in effect that impact Alpharetta residents and businesses.
Alpharetta Measures
• In-person dining (includes inside, patios, rooftops, etc.) at restaurants and other licensed public establishments is prohibited; however, take-out orders are allowed and can be accompanied the sale of beer and wine in sealed containers
• All other businesses should utilize work from home and telecommuting strategies whenever possible and in any event must ensure that social distancing of at least 6 feet is maintained between every person if a gathering of 10 or more people occurs
• All use of all city playgrounds, sports fields, courts, bathrooms and facilities are prohibited, but public use of trails and open spaces are permitted as long as people do not gather in groups of more than 10
• All city buildings are closed to the public through April 12
• All meetings of the City’s boards and commissions are cancelled through April 12
• All meetings of the Alpharetta City Council will be conducted electronically
Fulton County Measures
• Fewer than 10 people are allowed in nonessential businesses that require direct human contact like nail salon services, beauty salon services, massage services and churches
State Of Georgia Executive Orders
• Order to shelter in place for anyone who has the virus and people who are at a high risk for spreading the disease: assisted living facilities, nursing homes, lung disease and cancer
• No business, establishment, corporation, non-profit or organization shall allow more than 10 people to be gathered at a single location if such gathering requires them to stand or be seated within 6 feet of any other person
• The Georgia Department of Public Health is authorized to mandate the closure of any business or organization that does not comply with State orders
• All public schools in Georgia are closed to students through April 24
“All of these measures, whether they come from us, Fulton County, or Governor Kemp, are based on the recommendations and guidance of federal, state, and county public health agencies,” Gilvin said. “These policies and the public’s response to them, seem to be having the impact needed to slow the spread of the deadly COVID-19 virus, but we all have to do our part.”
“As Mayor it is my duty to make sure our residents and businesses are taking this threat seriously. The best way we can all help defeat this threat is to shelter in place,” he said. “The less contact we have with other people for the next few weeks the safer we all will be. Every time we leave our homes and come within 6 feet of other people and touch surfaces in common areas, we are increasing the risk that we will catch Covid-19 and give it to others. Under these circumstances the City and community at large insists that each person take the necessary precautions to protect themselves and the lives of others.”
According to Gilvin, Alpharetta’s residents and businesses have risen to the occasion thus far and must continue to be diligent in their efforts. “Any person or business that chooses to ignore these policies puts others at risk, and therefore, they do so at their own risk. We will enforce these city, county and state policies to ensure the public health, safety and welfare of Alpharetta.”
