[ April 03, 2020 ] Pursuant to Governor Kemp?s Executive Order, please be advised that Pickens County GA Government and the City of Jasper, Georgia will adhere to and defer to the State of Georgia?s Order as it relates to a ?Statewide Sheltering in Place?.

Beginning at 6:00 PM today (Friday, April 3, 2020), the State of Georgia will be enforcing Governor Kemp?s Order which can be referenced here (PDF)

This order is in place until 11:59 PM on Monday, April 13, 2020 and supersedes the County and City ordinance during this period of time, to the extent of any conflict. Please continue to reference the requisite websites for more information or you may contact 706-253-8978 for more information.

Thank you for your continued support, understanding and compliance.

Pickens County Government & The City of Jasper
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*** Below are guidance and FAQs for the executive order released by Governor Kemp last night with updates noted ***

What businesses and professionals must cease in-person operations and close to the public during this time?

? Bars
? Nightclubs
? Gyms
? Fitness centers
? Bowling allies
? Theaters
? Live performance venues
? Operators of amusement parks
? Dine in-services at restaurants and private social clubs
o Exceptions: Take-out; curbside pick-up; delivery; and dine-in services at hospitals, healthcare facilities, nursing homes, or other long-term care facilities
? Estheticians (e.g., waxing, threading, eyelash extensions, cosmetic treatments)
? Hair designers
? Body art studios (commonly known as tattoo parlors)
? Beauty shops and salons (including home beauty shops and salons)
? Barber shops (including home barber shops)
? Cosmetology schools
? Hair design schools
? Barbering schools
? Esthetics schools
? Nail care schools
? Licensed massage therapists

All other entities may continue to operate subject to specific restrictions. Those restrictions vary depending on whether your entity is Critical Infrastructure.

What is Critical Infrastructure?

Critical Infrastructure: For Critical Infrastructure entities, if your business or organization will continue in-person operations, the state encourages implementation of sixteen (16) requirements. The definition of Critical Infrastructure and the sixteen (16) recommendations are listed in Attachment A .

Non-Critical Infrastructure
If your entity is not Critical Infrastructure, you shall follow the Social Distancing Rule, only engage in Minimum Basic Operations, and meet twenty (20) requirements. The Social Distancing Rule, Minimum Basic Operations, and the twenty (20) requirements are listed in Attachment B.

How does the Order apply to individuals and families?

Basic Rule: All residents and visitors of Georgia are required to shelter in place in their residences from 6 PM on Friday, April 3, 2020 to 11:59 PM on Monday, April 13, 2020. "Shelter in place" means remaining in their residences and taking every possible precaution to limit social interaction to prevent the spread or infection of COVID-19.

Are there exceptions to the Basic Rule?

Yes. A resident or visitor of Georgia is not required to shelter in place if they are:

1. Engaging in Essential Services
2. Working in Critical Infrastructure (see Attachment A)
3. Engaging in.Minimum Basic Operations (see Attachment B)
4. Performing Necessary Travel

Essential Services means obtaining necessary supplies and services for your household, engaging in activities essential for the health and safety of your household, and engaging in outdoor exercise activities so long as you have at least six ( 6) feet between people who do not live in your household.

You can go to the grocery store, medical appointments, and the pharmacy. You can go pick-up food or have food delivered to your house. You can leave your house to buy supplies to clean or maintain your house. You can go outside to exercise. You can also leave your house in an emergency.

The key takeaway is that you need to stay in your house as much as possible, but we recognize there are circumstances when you will need to leave. Keep those circumstances rare, consolidate trips as much as possible, and use take-out, curbside pick-up, and delivery services whenever possible to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Necessary Travel means the travel required for someone to conduct or participate in Essential Services, Minimum Basic Operations, or work for Critical Infrastructure.

How does this order apply to local governments?

No county or municipal government is allowed to have more than ten (10) people gathered in a single location unless there is at least six (6) feet between each person at all times. The Governor's Order supersedes all local ordinances to the extent that they conflict and states that no local ordinance can be more restrictive or less restrictive.

State law enforcement with P.O.S.T. certification will be charged with enforcement.

UPDATE: Today (4/3/20) Governor Brian P. Kemp issued Executive Order 04.03.20.01 to deputize sheriffs for enforcement of Executive Order 04.02.20.01 involving businesses, establishments, for-profit and non-profit corporations, and organizations. Executive Order

Read entire document on the guidance and FAQ of Governor Kemp's Statewide Shelter in Place Excutive Order (PDF)

RELATED
- Pickens Board of Commissioners Extend State of Emergency Declaration to April 30th (4/2/20)
- Jasper City Council Special Called Meeting | State of Emergency Declaration