MACON, Ga. — All non-essential businesses will close by Monday evening, according to an emergency declaration made by Macon-Bibb mayor Robert Reichert.
In his press conference, he announced businesses must close or modify their operations for the next two weeks.
‘Hopefully this will be effective and we will not have to take more drastic measures,” said Reichert.
It goes into effect at 5:15 p.m. Monday and runs through April 6 unless extended by a subsequent order.
He also placed a hard limit on social gathering, saying they must be 10 or less people, but did not announce a curfew.
That also includes religious services. Gatherings that do NOT fall under his order are government operations, transit, childcare, residential buildings, grocery stores or pharmacies, and educational institutions.
Here’s what else is included in the emergency declaration:
- Restaurants shall close to the public except to provide takeout, delivery, drive-thru or curbside service
- Bars shall be closed
- All places providing body care services (barber shops, salons, massage parlors, tattoo shops, etc.) shall close
- All indoor recreation facilities like gyms, health studios, yoga studios, arcades, bowling alleys, movie theaters, and concert venues are closed for business
- Bowden Golf Course, tennis facilities around Macon-Bibb County and Lake Tobesofkee will be closed
- All permits for special events are canceled
- All other retail will be permitted to stay open AS LONG AS steps are taken to ensure customers and employees are not within 6 feet of each other and that employees do not work if they are showing symptoms or living with someone with is
It is punishable with a fine up to $1,000 and up to 60 days in jail.
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