South Fulton officials have adopted an emergency resolution declaring a state of emergency in the City of South Fulton in an effort to take proactive measures for the health and safety of residents during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak.
As a result, a curfew has been put in place for residents to be in their homes between 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. Exceptions will be made for people who are going to and from medical facilities or work, responding to emergencies, emergency and public safety personnel, essential city personnel, people traveling through the city to a destination outside the city and individuals making deliveries within the city.
Businesses will have to also adhere to the curfew and close indoor access to the general public daily by 9 p.m. The rule does not apply to medical and pharmaceutical establishments.
The resolution also prohibits all public gatherings of ten or more people within the city. Going forward all city meetings, including the convening of city boards, agencies and commissions, are cancelled. Emergency city council meetings can be called if needed.
South Fulton officials say that the mandates are in alignment with the recommendations of federal and state leaders.
“It was important for the city to enact its own emergency plan to do our part to limit the spread of COVID-19 throughout the City of South Fulton. Some residents will like the plan and others may not, but we must take action to ensure the safety of our residents and to protect them from this virus,” said Mayor William “Bill” Edwards.
South Fulton’s first case of coronavirus was first announced on March 9. A Bear Creek Middle teacher fell ill the Friday before and later tested positive. Three city firefighters responded to the teacher’s 911 call but did not have direct contact with the patient. The firefighters have since been quarantined out of an abundance of caution.
Several members of South Fulton’s city council have also been self-quarantined after attending a National League of Cities conference where two attendees have tested positive for coronavirus. Councilmembers around the nation are following the same precautions.
Since South Fulton officials announced the details of their coronavirus response last week, all city facilities have been closed to the public, municipal court services have been suspended and the city has implemented a teleworking policy for its employees.
Editor’s Note: Story updated on March 18 at 6:49 p.m.