DeKalb County declares state of emergency. Here’s what that means

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — DeKalb County has declared a state of emergency in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

The emergency declaration asks all residents to follow a voluntary curfew from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. excluding necessary travel to and from work, to the doctor or to buy food. Families are asked to shelter in place as much as possible.

All public gatherings of 10 or more are prohibited. Dine-in service at restaurants, breweries and bars is prohibited but they can still sell takeout orders and alcohol to go.

Bowling alleys, gyms, fitness centers, nail salons, spas, beauty salons and other personal grooming establishments are limited to 10 people. Funerals are also limited to 10 people. All outdoor playgrounds are closed.

Everyone is asked to keep six feet apart.

Starting March 24, the county will put a moratorium on evictions and termination of water service for homes or businesses. They are also asking for rental and mortgage companies to give residents extra time to make payments.

The order also calls on businesses to provide employees with the means and equipment to work from home and develop strategies to redirect the workforce to help with the growing crisis.

Front line workers who can't work from home, which includes watershed, sanitation, 911, police, fire, sheriffs, medical examiners, roads and drainage employees, senior center food workers, parks workers, people who work for DeKalb-Peachtree Airport, will get their regular salary pluls 50% admin pay and 50% comp time.

Read the entire order HERE.

© 2020 Cox Media Group