Click here for the full ordinace from Pickens County, which includes information about essential businesses and travel restrictions.

Press Release from Pickens County Government

After reviewing the executive order of Governor Brian Kemp and consulting with the Pickens County Board of Health, the Department of Public Health and Piedmont Mountainside Hospital officials, the Board of Commissioners declared a local state of emergency and enacted emergency ordinances this afternoon. This declaration is effective immediately through April 7, 2020 at 11:59pm. A few key items within the emergency ordinances:

- All citizens are to shelter-in-place to avoid all nonessential outings and stay indoors as much as possible. This will limit person to person contact and help control the spread of COVID-19.

- All restaurants and establishments serving food and/or drinks within Pickens County jurisdiction will be restricted to carry-out/drive-thru service only.

While these measures seem extreme, health officials are certain these are the steps needed to control the spread of COVID-19 as quickly as possible. Limiting the spread of COVID-19 will help prevent local health resources from becoming overwhelmed. Declaring a local emergency will also allow Pickens County to receive maximum state and federal assistance. All citizens are encouraged to follow the guidance of local, state, and federal officials during the coming weeks. The health and safety of our citizens must and will take precedence.

Please continue to monitor our website at www.pickenscountyga.gov for updates and to access the full emergency ordinance.

See related story Break the chain': How will Georgia halt the spread of coronavirus?