JOHNS CREEK, GA — An emergency ordinance temporarily suspending on-premises dining operations at restaurants and dining establishments in the city was approved by the Johns Creek City Council during its emergency special-called meeting on Friday evening. The temporary dining restrictions are enacted to curtail large gatherings and to reduce the risk of exposure to coronavirus for employees and the public. The emergency ordinance directs restaurants and dining establishments in Johns Creek to cease dine-in services beginning Friday, March 20.

"We are putting the people and businesses of Johns Creek first by adhering to national and state emergency efforts to help stop the spread of the coronavirus," said Johns Creek Mayor, Mike Bodker. "We encourage all residents of Johns Creek to support, order from, and take advantage of the exceptional offerings provided by all the restaurants, dining establishments and businesses within the city. Let's all work to 'Keep It In The Creek' and help strengthen our community and keep our outstanding businesses active." The emergency ordinance requires restaurants, or businesses with a full-service kitchen which sell food or beverages for consumption on premises, to close in-person dining operations. These establishments are allowed to offer takeout, pickup, and delivery during the temporary suspension. Businesses licensed to sell beer and wine on premises will be allowed to sell unopened beer and wine for takeout or delivery for consumption off-premises while this emergency ordinance is in effect. While providing takeout services under the ordinance period, establishments are required to limit access and provide enough room so that customers and staff can keep a safe distance. Cafeterias in hospitals, nursing homes, or similar facilities shall not be subject to the restrictions contained in the newly adopted ordinance.

Related: Johns Creek: What's Open, Closed Amid Coronavirus Concerns

Coronavirus: Johns Creek Council Adopts Emergency Ordinance "I urge all community members to pay close attention to trustworthy health experts like the CDC and the Georgia Department of Public Health, as well as other leaders including the President of the United States and the Governor of Georgia," Bodker said. "As a city, we are putting forth strategized efforts in order for our community to help each other and act in the best interest of public safety and our overall health and well-being." The emergency ordinance approved by the Johns Creek City Council will be in effect until the end of the city's declaration of emergency enacted for a 30-day period which began March 18. The ordinance and additional information related the City of Johns Creek's actions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic can be found on the city's website at www.johnscreekga.gov. The city will continue to urge support of local businesses and help to outline the new restrictions and explain the parameters of the new ordinance. The city is working with the Johns Creek Chamber of Commerce to promote the support and use of Johns Creek restaurants and dining establishments through the #KeepItInTheCreek campaign.

The number of confirmed and presumed positive cases of COVID-19 rose from 197 on Wednesday to 287 cases in 28 counties on Thursday. By Friday, there have been 420 positive cases in the state, with 14 deaths, across 50 counties.

The DPH released the numbers of tests taken across the state, which totaled more than 2,300.

There have been 1,682 tests done in a commercial lab, with 289 coming in positive. The Department of Public Health Lab has done 704 tests, and had 131 positives.