The City of South Fulton has issued a shelter-in-place order.
It will go into effect simultaneously with Governor Brian Kemp’s order, which is expected tomorrow. It will be in place until April 16. Violators could face incarceration and fines up to $1,000.
The order mandates that all non-essential businesses close to the public temporarily. Operations conducted by telephone, mail or electronically are permitted.
Essential businesses include: grocery stores, pharmacies, hotels, restaurants, legal service providers, food banks, post offices, educational institutions, gas stations, financial institutions, hardware stores and nurseries, funeral establishments, laundromats, liquor stores, transportation providers and schools for the purpose of picking up food.
The order reinforces mandates included in previously passed legislation. Non-essential public travel within the city between the hours of 9 p.m. and 7 p.m. has been limited. Exceptions include travel to and from medical and childcare facilities, travel for employment and business-related deliveries, travel through the city to a destination outside of the city and activities necessary to protect people and property from harm.
During the hours of 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., the same exceptions apply. Citizens can also travel to essential businesses.
Restaurants will only be permitted to sell food for takeout and delivery during 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. Between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m., only restaurants that offer drive-thru service will be allowed to operate. Restaurants that serve alcohol may sell beer and wine in unopened packages for delivery or takeout with the purchase of food.
City facilities still remain closed to the public. Rules for public gathering will follow the state mandate. The medically fragile are urged to stay in their residences.
South Fulton’s shelter-in-place order follows announcements of shelter-in-place orders by Fulton County and the State of Georgia. According to the City Attorney, in the event that there are conflicts between the city’s ordinance and Governor Brian Kemp’s executive order, the state mandated order will prevail.