The cities of Decatur and Doraville have joined a wave of local governments putting restrictions on restaurants and other large gatherings amid concerns about the spread of coronavirus.
Decatur Mayor Patti Garrett signed an executive order Thursday prohibiting restaurants from allowing on-site dining. Restaurants can still offer take-out and delivery services between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m.
They also will be allowed to sell unopened wine and beer for consumption off-site.
Garrett’s order also prohibited gatherings of more than 50 people. According to the order, those include but are not limited to the following: weddings, religious gatherings, parties, funerals, sporting events, social events and conferences.
“Exceptions apply to critical facilities as may be determined by the City but critical facilities explicitly include government facilities providing essential services, grocery stores and pharmacies, hospitals and medical offices and facilities,” the order said.
It will remain in effect through April 16, unless amended.
Later Thursday night, the Doraville City Council passed a measure that limits restaurants to take-out and delivery service through the end of the month, effective 12 a.m. Saturday. Licensed businesses can also sell unopened wine and beer for off-site consumption.
Doraville’s order also orders businesses that offer “massage, manicure, hairstyling or personal grooming services” to close shop. Gyms and sports clubs, as well as any event facilities that host gatherings of more than 10 people, were also ordered to close.
A flurry of similar actions have been imposed in other metro Atlanta governments as well.
Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms signed an order Thursday morning directed restaurants and bars to close except for take-out and delivery. It also closed other gathering spots like gyms, movie theaters and bowling alleys.
The city of South Fulton has gone even further, putting a curfew in place.
In DeKalb, several local cities have imposed restrictions. Brookhaven, Clarkston and Dunwoody all have restricted in-restaurant dining.
About the Author
