Georgia Governor Brian Kemp signed a statewide shelter-in-place order last Thursday on April 2nd. The order took effect at 6:00 P.M. last Friday on April 3rd. The original intentions were to span through Monday, April 13th, but following a news conference held on Wednesday, April 8th, the statewide shelter-in-place order has been extended through Thursday, April 30th. Governor Kemp also extended the statewide public health state of emergency through Wednesday, May 13th.
Following comments of confusion concerning the original order, which remains unchanged after yesterday’s extension, Washington County Sheriff Joel Cochran conversed with local County and City officials, and took to social media, seeking to answer questions. The Sheriff stated his intentions were to state the facts of the “shelter-in-place” order in terminology for all to comprehend.
“I along with County and City Officials have been inundated with questions as to what this means for our citizens. The following is not a comprehensive list or in exact legal wording, but a plain language attempt to answer your questions and concerns,” said Sherriff Cochran in the post.
Washington County Sheriff Joel Cochran claims that the most asked question he has received is if citizens need an identification letter so they are not stopped while driving. Sheriff Cochran answers that citizens do not need letters to be able to travel. Deputies will not randomly stop drivers related to quarantine issues. Sheriff’s Department deputies will only to stop drivers who are speeding or breaking other driving laws; however, travel is discouraged unless it is deemed essential.
“There are numerous exemptions, but if you do not fit one of those, stay home and avoid travel. It is a violation of law not to comply,” said Sheriff Cochran.
Washington County Sheriff Joel Cochran says that the following are examples of exemptions to the travel ban in the shelter-in-place order:
– Medical and pharmaceutical needs
– Purchasing household essentials or groceries
– Work-related travel if your job meets the Critical Infrastructure Guidelines
– Engaging in outdoor exercise activities if a minimum of six (6) feet is maintained between all persons during such activities
Sheriff Cochran says that individuals required to shelter in place under the order should not receive visitors unless the following criteria is met:
– Visitors are providing medical or emergency assistance
– Visitors are providing support for the individual to conduct activities of daily living, such as sitters or assistants for elderly or special needs persons
– Visitors are providing necessary supplies or services such as food, equipment to work-at-home, or essential maintenance of the home
– Visitors are providing end-of-life services
Sheriff Joel Cochran states the shelter-in-place order also prohibits:
– Dine-in eating, fitness centers, bowling alleys, theaters, live performance venues, amusement parks, body art studios, estheticians, hair designers, salons/barber shops, persons licensed to practice massage therapy, and bars
– More than ten (10) individuals in a single location unless they are six (6) feet apart. This does not apply for a family living in the same household.
Washington County Sherriff Cochran finalized by stating the following items of the order:
– Suspends any existing city or county ordinance, and prohibits any new ordinances related to COVID-19 during the duration of the state emergency order, unless they are for enforcing compliance with the state order. This is in place to give all citizens of Georgia a single reference point to the shelter-in-place order.
– Does not suspend or affect the ownership, sale, or transportation of firearms
– Does not interfere with on-line religious services or travel by minimum staff or volunteers to a religious facility to perform on-line services while practicing social distancing
To view the complete State of Georgia Shelter-In-Place order, visit bit.ly/3dPEZ6g.