READ THE CITY RESOLUTION HERE.

READ THE COUNY RESOLUTION HERE.

Gainesville and Hall County residents have been ordered to stay at home indefinitely unless they are going to or working for a business considered essential as the region fights to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

The shelter-in-place order, approved unanimously Wednesday by the Gainesville City Council and later by the Hall County Commission, may be meaningless, given a statewide order issued by Gov. Brian Kemp. The state's order, the details of which will be announced Thursday, takes effect on Friday.

As of noon Wednesday, 69 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in Hall County.

“I have served the City Council since 2006 and I’ve lived in this community my whole life,” Mayor Danny Dunagan said. “But the impact of this coronavirus on this city, this community is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. … We are truly living in unprecedented times, leaving many of us facing circumstances for which there is no handbook. An emergency truly exists for our city because of the COVID-19 pandemic as it affects the safety and well-being of our citizens and workers.”

Added Richard Higgins, the commission chairman, "We don't want to inconvenience anyone, but we keep being told that is what we need to get a handle on this."

Both orders require that all businesses not deemed essential must close, although businesses that allow employees to work from home can continue to operate. The list of essential businesses includes health care providers, grocery stores, liquor stores, gas stations, banks, hardware stores, laundries, animal shelters and veterinary offices, landscaping companies and facilities that provide shelter to seniors, adults or children. It also includes food manufacturers, including the area's poultry plants.

All individuals are directed to stay at home, except for activities essential to the health and safety of themselves or others in their household. That includes trips to the grocery store, gas stations or health care providers. Anyone who does go outside should practice social distancing, staying a minimum of six feet away from other people.

The order allows churches to have employees on site to deliver services via the internet, and it does permit churches to services on site, provided congregation members remain in their cars and social distancing requirement are met.

Businesses or individuals who failed to comply with the order could face a fine up to $1,000. But city officials hope it won’t come to that.

The city’s code enforcement office will take the lead in notifying nonessential businesses that remain open that they should close. Police will assist in the enforcement if the businesses still refuse to comply.

The police department will enforce individuals who fail to comply with social-distancing guidelines. If groups are found gathering in violation of the order, they’ll be asked to disperse.

It is our hope this action will slow the spread of COVID-19, giving health care workers and first responders, everyone on the front lines, the best chance to manage growing caseloads,” Dunagan said.