Sunday, March 22, 2020

UPDATE:

COLUMBIA COUNTY, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT)-- Columbia County Board of Commissioners will hold a press conference on Monday, March 23 at 9:00 a.m. in response to the county's plan of action for the coronavirus.

The press conference will be held at the Emergency Operations Center in Evans.

This comes a day after Chairman Doug Duncan announced the county will not order the closure of non-essential businesses. Commissioners will address the continued plan of action as they monitor the spread of COVID-19.

Saturday, March 21, 2020

COLUMBIA COUNTY, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) -- Columbia County Chairman Doug Duncan has announced the county will not be mandating the closure of businesses, restaurants, bars, gyms and salons at this time.

Chairman Duncan says county commissioners still encourage business owners to act in what they feel is the best interest of the community.

"We respect the decision of Mayor Davis, and even though the closure may be what is best for the City of Augusta, we continue to make our decisions based on what we feel is best for the businesses and citizens of Columbia County," Chairman Duncan said.

The county has taken measures like closing all county offices, parks and facilities. Chairman Duncan says they encourage citizens to be vigilant in their efforts to practice social distancing and abide by the recommendations of the CDC.

County commissioners say they encourage citizens to utilize drive-thrus and curbside service and to follow the safe practices that have been shared for several weeks.

"We will continue to monitor any and all updates from the President, the CDC, Governor Kemp, and Georgia Department of Health," Chairman Duncan said.

Grovetown Mayor Gary Jones also announced the city will follow Columbia County's decision to not order the closure of non-essential businesses.

"The circumstances in which the Mayor of Augusta has ordered the closing of restaurants, bars, gyms and body care facilities, are quite different for us here in Grovetown," Mayor Jones said. "The decision that Augusta has made, may be the best for them; however, I feel that as a city government , Grovetown has been very proactive and ahead of most other locations, and we do not feel that mandated closures are warranted for now."

Mayor Jones is asking citizens to use drive-thru restaurants and follow safety measures to stay home unless you have to leave.

"We have been in contact with Columbia County officials and at this time, they are not ordering closures of any businesses," Mayor Jones said. "As your Mayor, the City Council and I, along with the City Administrator, Directors and our Public Information Officer (PIO) will keep you updated as needed."