DeKalb State Of Emergency Calls For Curfew, Orders Ban Of 10 Plus

DEKALB COUNTY, GA — DeKalb County issued a state of emergency Monday, banning public gatherings of 10 or more and asking people to participate in a voluntary curfew from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. DeKalb County playgrounds are closed. People can’t use playgrounds or outdoor fitness equipment.

DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond issued the order that’s effective immediately to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

“DeKalb’s continuity of operations protocols have been activated to ensure the delivery of essential services such as safe drinkable water, garbage collection, waste water treatment, police, fire and other emergency response services throughout this crisis,” Thurmond said.

“Our brave and dedicated front line workers who are placing themselves in harm’s way will be paid additional compensation for their service to DeKalb County.”

Beginning Tuesday there will be no dine-in services at restaurants and bars. The order also calls for limits on funerals and certain businesses, with a max of 10 people.

There shall be no dine-in service at any restaurant, brewery or bar. Establishments may provide take-out service. Any establishment licensed for on-premises consumption of alcoholic beverages may sell unopened beverages curbside or to take-out customers.

All businesses except “Essential Businesses,” as defined in the order, shall have hours of operation beginning no earlier than 6 a.m. and ending no later than 9 p.m. All indoor funeral gatherings shall be limited to no more than 10 persons. Graveside services of 10 or less participants are highly encouraged.

Bowling alleys, gyms, fitness centers, nail salons, spas, beauty salons, barbers, or other establishments offering personal grooming services shall reduce maximum occupancy to 10 persons.

All employers and businesses that remain open to the public must take steps to restrict in person contact and maintain a distance of six feet between individuals in the establishment.

Globally, more than 360,000 people have been infected and more than 15,400 people have died from the COVID-19 virus, Johns Hopkins reported as of Monday. Of that total, more than 81,400 confirmed cases are in China, while the entire United States has 35,500 confirmed cases as of midday Monday. There have been almost 480 deaths in the U.S., including 25 in Georgia, that have been tied to the virus outbreak.