Coronavirus: Canton Issues Shelter-In-Place Order

CANTON, GA — In an effort to stop the spread of coronavirus, Canton City Council held an emergency meeting by teleconference on Wednesday and voted unanimously to authorize Mayor Bill Grant to sign an emergency declaration which includes a shelter-in-place order.

"The citizens have overwhelmingly asked the Council to look out for their interests during this pandemic," stated Mayor Bill Grant. "This declaration and shelter in place order looks out for those residents and encourages all citizens to stay at home unless they have to get out for essential needs."

A copy of the emergency declaration and shelter-in-place order is available here.

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What does a Shelter in Place Order Do?

The shelter-in-place order means everyone should remain in their homes except when traveling to locations outlined in the Declaration. People can travel to work, or the grocery store, to exercise or to an essential business. Review section 10 (a).

Is the City of Canton under a curfew?

No.

Do I need a pass or some form of permission to go to work, operate my essential business, or do what is allowed in the declaration?

No.

Can restaurants stay open?

Restaurants are allowed to stay open provided that they are offering take out or delivery services, though dining inside restaurants or at outdoor patio areas of that property is strictly prohibited.

See more: GA Coronavirus: Canton, Woodstock Ban Dining In At Restaurants

Can I leave my home to care for a relative in a different household?

Yes, you may travel from your home to the household of another family member to assist in their healthcare.

What are essential businesses?

The list of essential businesses is located here under section 10.

May I go out and exercise?

The City of Canton parks and trails are open for public use and may be used for exercise as long as guests follow CDC guidelines on social distancing and spacing of at least 6 feet. City of Canton playgrounds, ball fields, tennis courts, basketball courts, and athletic fields are closed. Any activity of more than 10 people are in violation of the Executive Order of the Governor.

How can I pay my utility bill, citation or business license renewal?

Utility Customers for the City of Canton (water, wastewater, stormwater and sanitation), individuals that need to pay a citation through Municipal Court, or need to pay a business license renewal may pay bills online here. The City of Canton is waiving penalties and late fees on utility payments and is not performing disconnects through April 30. If you need an extension on a business license renewal, email billy.peppers@cantonga.gov.

What if I have additional questions?

If you still have questions, email City Manager Billy Peppers at billy.peppers@cantonga.gov.

See more:

• Coronavirus: Canton Adopts Emergency Ordinance
• GA Coronavirus: How Cherokee County Neighbors Are Responding
• GA Coronavirus: Waffle House Shuts 400-Plus Sites; 'Index' At Red
• GA Coronavirus: Businesses Asked To Donate, Make Medical Supplies

GA Coronavirus: Nearly 400 Hospitalized, 40 Deaths, 1200+ Cases

New numbers announced Wednesday afternoon show that nearly 400 Georgians are hospitalized, 40 have died, and 1,247 have been infected with coronavirus, the Georgia Department of Public Health said.

Fulton County has the most cases in the state with 198, followed by DeKalb with 116, Dougherty with 109, Cobb with 101, Bartow with 78, Gwinnett with 48, Cherokee with 31, Carroll with 27, Lee with 25, Clayton with 22, Clarke and Hall with 19 each, Douglas with 17, Floyd with 14, Fayette and Henry with 12 each, Lowndes with 11, and Coweta and Richmond with 10 each.

Globally, more than 438,000 people have been infected and more than 19,000 people have died from the new coronavirus, Johns Hopkins reported Wednesday morning. Of that total, more than 55,000 confirmed cases were in the United States, with more than 800 U.S. deaths tied to the virus outbreak.