The Emergency Order becomes effective March 28
On March 17 there were 7 cases of COVID-19 in
Gwinnett County. Ten days later there were 78. The very next morning
there were 83. More compelling, there is a 6 to 7-day delay in getting
test results, plus testing is limited to only first responders, medical
personnel, and sick people. I think you get the point. As a result, when
the County asked all the Cities to join them in a stay at home order, our
Council was unanimous in support.
This decision was not made impulsively or without due regard for the impact on our business community. You should know by now how business-friendly we are. Rather we chose to find that balance between your health and your paycheck that we thought was in everyone’s best interest. We will do what we can for our businesses separately. For now, our health is paramount.
What is a stay at home order? Below
you’ll find a basic, simplified Q&A that walks you through what it
means. Please note, this list is intended as a living document. We
expect lots of questions and clarifications, so do not hesitate to contact us
at info@peachtreecornersga.gov, or mmason@peachtreecornersga.gov with your
questions. We’ll update the Q&A as things change.
Most importantly, take this seriously. STAY HOME. We’ll be back to concerts on the Town Green before you know it.
Stay-at-Home Q&A
Q: Does this mean I must stay inside my home/apartment all the time?
A: No, the Emergency
Order directs everyone to stay in their place of residence unless they leave
their homes for an essential activity.
Q: What are essential activities?
A: Essential activities
include:
· Grocery shopping (including restaurant takeout), picking up
medical supplies or medication, visiting a health care professional or to
obtain supplies needed to work from home, or to go to your place of work, only
if it’s an essential business (which provides an essential activity).
· Outdoor activities such as walking, hiking, running, bicycling,
and other physical activities, as long as you comply with the social distancing
requirements (remain at least 6 feet apart from those other than your immediate
family).
· You may also leave to care for a family member or pet in another
household.
Q: What is an essential business?
A: Essential businesses
include:
· Medical facilities, grocery stores, certified farmers’ markets,
farm and produce stands, supermarkets, food banks, convenience stores, and
other establishments engaged in the retail sale of canned food, dry goods,
fresh fruits and vegetables, veterinary clinics, pet supply, fresh meats, fish
and poultry and any other household consumer projects such as cleaning and
personal care products.
· Restaurants that offer food only through delivery, takeout, or drive-thru.
· Establishments that sell alcoholic beverages can sell unopened
bottles of liquor or wine, or new sealed growlers, curbside to takeout
customers only.
· Businesses and other organizations that provide food, shelter and social services and other necessities of life for economically disadvantaged or otherwise needy individuals.
· Banks and related financial institutions.
· Hardware stores
· Plumbers, electricians, exterminators, lawn service, cleaning
services, and other service providers necessary to maintaining safety,
sanitation and the essential operation of residences
· Mailing and shipping services including post office boxes
· Laundromats, dry cleaners, and laundry service providers
· Businesses that supply products needed for people to work from
home
· Businesses that deliver groceries, food, goods, or services
directly to residences,
· Airlines, taxis, and other private transportation services
providing transportation for essential activities
· Home-based care for seniors, adults, or children
Q: What is essential travel?
A: Any travel related to
an essential activity, essential business or essential government
functions. All other travel is restricted.
Q: Can businesses stay open as long as they comply with the 6-foot social distancing rule?
A: No, only essential
businesses providing essential services may remain open.
Q: Can my children play with my neighbor’s children?
A: Only if they maintain
the social distancing requirement of 6 feet.
Q: Can I socialize with my neighbors outdoors as long as we remain 6 feet apart?
A: Yes, but remember,
this Local Emergency Order is necessary to protect the health and well-being of
all who live and work in our city. This is temporary, we will get through this
tough period, there will be plenty of opportunities to socialize if we all work
together.
Q: Is the Town Green open? Can I take my family there?
A: Yes, the Town Green
is open, however, the playground and restrooms will remain closed during the
pandemic. Please remember to maintain the 6-foot social distance requirement.
Q: How long will this Emergency Order be in place?
A: This Emergency Order
became effective at 12:01 a.m. on March 28, 2020 and will continue to be in
effect until 11:59 p.m. on April 12, 2020. It may be extended, rescinded,
superseded, or amended by the Mayor and City Council.
Q: The Department of Public Health has ordered that certain higher-risk population remain quarantined or shelter in place for 14 days. Who are considered at higher risk?
A: Individuals 60 and
older and those who are medically fragile such as those who are undergoing
cancer treatments, have heart and lung conditions, asthma, and other serious
health conditions that put them at risk if exposed to the coronavirus.
Q: Is it OK to attend drive-in church services?
A: While we understand
the desire of local churches to gather in worship, we encourage our churches to
abide by local limits on social gatherings. Many of the large COVID-19
outbreaks occurring across our nation are directly linked to places of worship
and similar social gatherings. The existing state of emergency prohibits
gatherings of 10 or more people, which includes weddings, funerals, and church
services. This would include a drive-in church
scenario.
Q: Does this Emergency Order include a curfew?
A: No, this emergency order does not include a curfew.
Q: What is the best source for finding ways to protect me and my family during the pandemic?
A: Every day the
Georgia Department of Health Services (DPH), the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention (CDC) and the Gwinnett County Health Department issue updated
guidelines and information related to the coronavirus (COVID-19).
These sources are the best place to get the
facts and get your questions answered. The city urges all citizens to visit
these websites on a regular basis. These are the health experts who have the
expertise to provide the guidance you need to keep you and your family safe.
If you want regular updates delivered to you via email, the CDC offers a subscription to an e-newsletter that provides important COVID-19 updates. To subscribe visit the CDC website and select the link labeled “Sign up for emails from CDC” located near the bottom right side of the page or use this link: https://tools.cdc.gov/campaignproxyservice/subscriptions.aspx?topic_id=USCDC_2067
Q: Is there a phone number that I can call if I have questions about the coronavirus?
A: For health
questions, please keep these important telephone numbers handy:
• Georgia Department of Public Health:
404-657-2700 (information); 24/7 Public Health Emergency Line: 1-866-782-4584)
• Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
1-800-232-4636 • Gwinnett County Health Department: 770-339-4260
• The State of Georgia has a new COVID-19
hotline: 1-844-442-2681
