[ April 02, 2020 ] (4/2/2020) After reviewing the latest guidance from state and federal officials, and consulting with the Pickens County Board of Health, the Department of Public Health and Piedmont Mountainside Hospital officials, the Board of Commissioners has extended the local state of emergency and emergency ordinances enacted on March 24, 2020. This declaration will now be in effect through April 30, 2020 at 11:59pm. Please remember 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.

This decision while a difficult one was made in the best interest of public safety. Public health officials advise these measures are needed to control the spread of COVID-19. We appreciate the support and understanding of our community during these trying times.


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(3/24/2020) Commissioner Rob Jones gave a brief overview of the Ordinance for the Declaration of a Local State of Emergency Related to COVD-19; and Other Purposes after an Emergency Called Commissioners Meeting at 4 pm. Video begins with the meeting and Commissioner Jones overview at time 4:06.

Pickens County State of Emergency Declaration (PDF file)

STATEMENT FROM PICKENS COUNTY

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.


MEETING AGENDA
Call to Order
II. Adoption of An Ordinance for the Declaration of a Local State of Emergency Related to COVID-19; And For Other Purposes
III. Adjourn