COVID-19 Pandemic Prompts State of Emergency in Fayetteville

March 25, 2020
by Robert Lattery

A state of emergency was recently declared by the City of Fayetteville, Georgia in response to the COVID-19 pandemic affecting the country. Below is the statement released by the city council:

The Fayetteville City Council has declared a state of emergency for the City of Fayetteville effective Wednesday, March 25, in response to the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic.

On Tuesday evening during a special called Fayetteville City Council meeting, Ordinance 0-4-20 was adopted, which orders all non-essential businesses and services to close and remain closed until Tuesday, April 7, 2020 or until such time as declared by any future amendment to this ordinance.

Under this new and temporary ordinance, all restaurants, and other establishments which sell food or beverages for consumption on the premises or who provide entertainment on the premises shall be closed to in-person dining, alcohol consumption, or entertainment during the term of this ordinance.

These restaurants and other establishments may offer food for take away, delivery, or for customers to eat at location(s) other than the establishment, consistent with this Ordinance.

During the term of this Ordinance any establishment licensed for the sale of beer and/or wine for consumption on the premises may sell unopened bottles or cans of beer and bottles of wine with the purchase of food for takeout only, but not delivery. Unopened cans and bottles must meet federal law for sealed containers.

Businesses affected by these closures shall establish systems that restrict in person contact as much as possible consistent with CDC guidelines, to include a limitation of the number of customers at a time to be in the premises.

NON-ESSENTIAL BUSINESSES

All non-essential businesses and services are ordered to close and remain closed, effective at 12:01 on March 25, 2020, and continue for the term of this Ordinance, unless sooner repealed or modified by subsequent Ordinance of the Mayor and City Council.

ESSENTIAL BUSINESSES

Essential businesses and services as designated by Homeland Security, include but are not limited to food and grocery stores; food banks and outdoor farmers markets; businesses that provide food, shelter, social services and other necessities of life for economically disadvantaged people; gas stations and auto repair businesses; banks and financial institutions; hotels; hardware stores and plant nurseries; plumbers and electricians, exterminators, custodial/janitorial workers, handyman services, funeral home workers and morticians, moving services, HV AC installers, carpenters, construction workers, landscapers, gardeners, property managers, private security personnel and others who provide services to maintain the safety, sanitation and essential operation of properties and other essential activities; healthcare providers and facilities to include pharmacies; veterinarian services; transportation services; residential facilities; warehouses and distribution centers; government services; laundromats/laundry service; newspapers, magazines, television, radio, podcasts and other media services; and educational institutions, including public and private K-12 schools, colleges, and universities - for purposes of facilitating distance learning or performing essential functions; provided that social distancing of six ( 6) feet per person is maintained to the greatest extent possible, or as otherwise recommended by the CDC, from time to time.

APPOINTMENT-ONLY BUSINESSES

For the purposes of this Ordinance, non-essential services will not include any business that operates primarily by appointment only, such as professional services including but not limited to attorneys, brokers, and certified professional accountants, which can demonstrate to the City, if necessary, that they otherwise comply with the Governor's Executive Order of March, 23, 2020.

HOUSES OF WORSHIP

Houses of Worship. All houses of worship shall strive for density reduction in all services, whether scheduled or based upon a life event such as a funeral or baptism, and wherever practical shall practice social distancing. Houses of worship are further encouraged to use social media or other video outlets to broadcast worship services. Funeral homes shall likewise strive for density reduction in all activities and shall ensure vehicles used to transport families shall he thoroughly cleaned between uses in accordance with CDC guidelines. Graveside services of 10 or less participants are highly encouraged.

ESSENTIAL BUSINESS OPENING HOURS

All essential businesses shall be open to the public only during the hours of 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. No business shall be open to the public outside of the prescribed hours above. Hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living and healthcare providers, pharmacies, and hotels are exempt from this requirement. All businesses shall make every effort to ensure adequate social distancing occurs by maintaining at least six (6) feet of personal space or as otherwise recommended by the CDC, and providing stations to wash hands with warm water and antibacterial soap, hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol, or both.

SOCIAL GATHERINGS

The public shall adhere to CDC guidelines, as revised from time to time, related to public social gatherings. Essential businesses are not considered social gatherings.

STATE & FEDERAL RECOMMENDATIONS

The City Council further recommends that, in addition to the foregoing, all individuals continue to adhere to recommendations by State of Georgia and Federal Officials and Agencies related to health and safety during this health emergency.

"This coronavirus pandemic is unlike anything Fayetteville has faced in our nearly 200 years as a City," said Fayetteville Mayor Ed Johnson. "For weeks now, we have followed guidance from the Georgia Governor's office and from the Georgia Department of Public Health by informing the public of the impending health risks presented locally by this coronavirus pandemic.

"We have implemented stringent measures within our own government operations to help reduce the spread of the disease, and we have encouraged the public to do likewise," Mayor Johnson continued. "We are now at a point, based on the latest advice given to us by the top State of Georgia authorities, to intensify our efforts to 'flatten the curve' and stop the spread of the coronavirus in our area."

Further details are available: City of Fayetteville

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