The Athens-Clarke County Mayor and Commission is ordering all of Athens to stay home as much as possible until April 7, 2020.
Say that again?

Due to the ongoing threat of COVID-19, all non-essential businesses and non-profits are hereby closed to the public. All non-essential travel is prohibited. All gatherings of any size, in any location, public or private, are banned (besides sheltering at home with your family and several other exceptions, see below). Everyone is ordered to “self-isolate in their places of residence to the maximum extent feasible.”
However, the police will not be arresting anyone for violating this order, and there are many exceptions as you can see below.
Why is this happening?
These emergency measures are considered essential to slow the spread of COVID-19, which had infected at least 8 people in Athens at the time of the commission meeting. This number is certainly an underestimate due to the low number of tests available and the large number of people who may be asymptomatic carriers of the disease. If this highly infectious virus is allowed to spread unrestrained, emergency care facilities in Athens would be quickly overwhelmed leading to perhaps hundreds of preventable deaths.
Five additional cases were confirmed in Athens since the commission issued their voluntary “shelter in place” order on Tuesday, March 17. Unless the rate of infection was slowed, each day for weeks or even months into the future would have resulted in more infections than the day before. Yet, some businesses and organizations such as the YMCA and Planet Fitness had remained open despite being asked to close. Therefore, the commission deemed that they had no choice but to enact a more comprehensive solution to protect public health.
Legal Reasons For Being Outside
The emergency shelter-in-place has some exceptions:
If you’re homeless
The homeless are exempted from this ordinance but are “strongly urged to obtain shelter, and governmental and other entities are strongly urged to make such shelter available.”
To go to work
Some businesses are allowed to remain open, and all businesses are allowed to perform “minimum basic operations” (see below).
To obtain necessary supplies for your health or safety
You are allowed to go to the grocery store, restaurant (takeout only), pharmacy, convenience store, doctor’s office or any other location to receive healthcare, to gather supplies for your health and safety or for a family member’s, to gather supplies that you need to work from home or to deliver those supplies to others who need them.
To get exercise
Walking, running, biking, hiking and other outdoor activities are still allowed. However, you must remain at least six feet from all people all at times.
To care for a family member or pet
You are allowed to travel to care for a family member or pet. For example, to walk your dog or to take a loved one to the doctor.
To return home
If you happen to be outside the county, you’re allowed to return home to Athens. Also, if you live outside the county and find yourself in Athens, you’re of course allowed to leave.
If ordered by a police officer or judge
Businesses Allowed to Remain Open
Some businesses must close to the public, but many are allowed to remain open:
- Healthcare providers
- Farms, ranches
- Retail businesses that sell food (e.g. grocery and convenience stores)
- Restaurants and liquor stores (carry out only)
- Social services and homeless shelters
- Newspapers and other media establishments
- Gas stations, auto supply and repair
- Banks

Even if your business must close to the public, you can still continue “minimum basic operations[ps2id id=’minimum-basic-operations’ target=”/].” These are activities that maintain the value of inventory, provide security (such as for warehouses), and other basic functions such as processing payroll or administrative work that allows all other employees to work from home. However, all employees must try to stay 6 feet away from each other at all times.

This ordinance goes into effect at midnight tonight, March 19, and will last until midnight, April 7, 2020 — unless it’s extended. Mayor Kelly Girtz was clear that no individual would be arrested or fined as a result of this order, but non-compliant businesses would receive a citation.
Commissioner Tim Denson suggested an amendment to this order to help service-sector employees and businesses in Athens who are already suffering through layoffs and reduced hours. His plan was to use the remaining $3 million of the prosperity package for things like micro-loans and for assistance in paying rent and utilities through organizations like The Ark. The whole commission agreed that the $3 million should be committed, but they decided to leave it open in the final ordinance about how this money should be spent to provide Manager Blaine Williams with more flexibility in implementation.
Additionally, commissioners have already taken the step of preventing utility shutoffs and are considering waiving all water bills for the month of April. The commission has also asked the Magistrate judges not to issue any eviction orders through mid-April.
The emergency shelter-in-place ordinance passed unanimously at the special session on March 19, 2020. If you still have questions about it, check out the local government’s FAQ page.
It seems we will all have lots of time to ourselves at home for a few weeks. It may be a good time to catch up on your Netflix queue or to watch videos on YouTube. You can check out all the new APN videos here.
UPDATE 3/27: Nurses in Athens are reporting a lack of personal protective equipment, but are not yet receiving hazard pay.
To help APN continue to provide news reports and coverage of the mayor and commission as they navigate the COVID-19 crisis, you can become a patron. It would be much appreciated!
55 thoughts on “Commission Orders Mandatory 24/7 Shelter in Place (with exceptions)”
Who is the best person to contact with specific questions?
Probably Emergency Coordinator JW Thaxton from the Fire Department
Phone: 706-613-3410
j.w.thaxton@accgov.com
Alternatively, your commissioner or perhaps Mayor Girtz: kelly.girtz@accgov.com
I have a hair salon that employs 7 people, I guess I’m sol, and still paying rent ? Thanks
Hey Mike, yeah that sucks. I know it’s hard to think of the collective good when you have a business to run. I have seen a lot of businesses starting to ask for donations (for example, through GoFundMe) that could help cover some costs in the meantime. Also, ACC has expressed plans to use the remaining $3 million of the prosperity package for things like micro-loans and for assistance in paying rent. Not to mention several other nonprofit organizations are out there to offer aid during this time. It will be a trying time for sure, I feel you, but I don’t believe you are “sol”.
I’m very surprised childcare facilities would be allowed to stay open, especially with schools closing????
i dont think this is legit. The county has not posted anything, police have not posted anything. this site is the only place where this lives
It’s on the Athens Banner Herald newsite already
From the Athens Clarke County webite: https://www.accgov.com/Search?searchPhrase=03%20Ordinance%20for%20the%20Second%20Declaration%20of%20a%20Local%20State%20of%20Emergency%20Related%20to%20COVID-19&pageNumber=1&perPage=10&departmentId=-1
And the ordinance file considered today: https://www.accgov.com/DocumentCenter/View/67248/03-Ordinance-for-the-Second-Declaration-of-a-Local-State-of-Emergency-Related-to-COVID-19?bidId=
Your headline is misleading and will result in undue social panic. It is already being shared on social media with people thinking they will be arrested for violating a curfew. I ask that you please amend the headline as merely discussing in the body is not enough.
Agree. The headline seems purposely misleading. Clickbait?
I have edited the headline. I apologize for the undue panic, it wasn’t my intention.
Everything remain open ! It’s the same thing! People will still be spreading the virus! Not a good job people! 👎🏻
Every one of these idiots should be removed from office for abuse of power. Who do they think they are? At the very least this edict is illegal on constitutional grounds for presuming the authority to suspend the rights to assemble and the free exercise of religion. Anybody still wondering why so many businesses have fled to Oconee county?
That’s what happens when idiots vote Democrat!
These are Trump’s rules. Read the ordinance.
This doesn’t shut down anything except salons and a few clothing shops. Ridiculous and pointless. Everything has to be shut down for this to work.
Where can I see the ACTUAL ordinace?
Here it is:
https://www.accgov.com/DocumentCenter/View/67248/03-Second-Declaration-of-a-Local-State-of-Emergency-Related-to-COVID-19-Final-Approved-Version?bidId=
I think you should clarify that other businesses like call centers, etc… will remain open.
I will try to clarify earlier in the article, I apologize if it’s misleading.
Then get y’all people from our beaches
Read under 3-10. More expansive exceptions including construction, cable tv, phone etc.
Also groups of less than 10. Please don’t spread misinformation
At this point, it’s any size group — we have to be 6 feet away at least. Less than 10 was the previous rule. It’s changed in just a few days.
Do yall think franklins will be open? I picked a bad time to decide to buy a gun, i think.
This is false and misleading way to go asshole cause more panic
Does this mean Caterpillar has to close?
Caterpillar might be considered essential I think?
Caterpillar is in Oconee County. Not subject to this ordinance.
If this is going to be effective I think they need to shut it all down except hospitals and the fire department. Otherwise what’s the point?
You liberals are out of control! I will see you in Federal Court!
Read the ordinance. CDC and Trump. We need not blame when it is life or death.
What if I get cabin fever and want to ride around in my car? This is still America, as long as I don’t stop and talk to folks or if I go out to Family Homeplace land with no one on it and sit or walk around in Jackson Co. I’m not bothering anyone, what do y’all care? Sometimes I don’t think y’all have common sense. I broke my left hip 4 weeks ago, I need to get out and walk our land is perfect place, I need to pick up curb side from these nice restaurants offering it or get it delivered. And what y’all doing about these morons hoarding toilet paper and paper towels at grocery stores? I couldn’t even get any in my delivery order at 2 stores? Nothing, Nada, Zip, ,Zero, all Gone didn’t matter what brand! Now that’s an issue folks are nervous about! Thanks, Terri
You can ride around your car… to the grocery store? Either way, the police are not arresting anyone over this.
Terri! You are allowed to go out and walk and drive your car and get food. Just keep your distance from people and take care of yourself.
No. Just no. This is ridiculous. This is America. Are you TRYING to ruin this country? We are not China. This is unnecessary, and will actually PROLONG this stupid virus rather than shorten it. Also, warm weather helps kill the virus, so what’s up with this possible extension? How about SHORTENING? we CANNOT live like this. Please stop the insanity. It’s things like this that fuels the panic. You’re NOT helping.
Agreed, those at most risk should take personal responsibility and keep themselves safe.
Although I agree with you that they should, unfortunately many who are most at risk are NOT taking personal responsibility. Taking county-wide measures will hopefully spread more awareness. Posting recommendations to wash hands frequently or stay at home doesn’t seem to be working.
Could you please explain why you feel having more restrictions will prolong the spread of the virus? Do you have a link to a study that supports this idea?
This is a very great article. It is up today. Thanks so very much for sharing. I want to thank all of the doctors, nurses and all of their helpers for their great efforts. Also thank you. Mr Mayor.
UGA has asked all students to return to the University to move out by March 27th. My son is driving up today. Is this a good idea to send all of these students and families back to Athens right now? https://housing.uga.edu/site/notices
Probably not a great idea, but that was asked at the commission meeting and the answer was that moving in or out was allowed. I guess just try to stay away from people while here.
I agree it’s not a great idea, but this is outside of our jurisdiction to do anything about it.
Where do churches stand in this order?
It sounds to me that churches are closed, but you should ask your commissioner to be sure.
Seems more like most businesses stay open but a few have to close.
Was the meeting just a waste of taxpayer money?
Great article!
COVID-19 is real. It is not “just the flu”. It is a new viral strain and we have never seen anything like this. The mortality rate is higher than the flu therefore the potential for loss of life is much greater especially the most vulnerable of our population – our parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, sick, and infirmed.
Asymptomatic individuals (people that do not show obvious signs of sickness) can spread the virus. Social distancing (6 ft or more) is not perfect but minimizes the risk of viral spread. These measures were shown to be effective during the worldwide pandemic of 1918 where millions of people died. It is better to over prepare and not need it than to under prepare and wish you had.
In the past our country has faced great challenges such as WWII, Cuban Missile Crisis, and we all rallied together. I am a small business owner and I feel strain. We are going to be very uncomfortable for an indefinite amount of time but together we will get through this.
Read the Ordinance. It’s online.
Do what the President, Governor, and Mayor are asking us to do and regularly get updates from http://www..athensclarkecounty.com, www. dph.georgia.gov, and www. cdc.gov.
COVID-19 IS REAL. Social distance and “flatten the curve”.
Be smart, be strong, and be well!
Is cleaning businesses safe to come in your home?c
I think they’d be allowed to clean your office (if your office was an essential business) but I’m not sure about homes. “Home care” businesses are allowed. Cleaning might qualify under that exception? I would ask your commissioner — do you have their contact info?
No I do not! Can you give it ti me please?
Okay! Check out this map: https://athenspoliticsnerd.com/maps
Then type in your address. It should tell you who your commissioner is and their contact info.
I clean homes for a cleaning business all throughout athens and the surrounding counties coming into contact with all the home owners usually and going in and out of 20+ homes per week! Is this safe for me as well as these homes?
I would suggest that you contact your commissioner as well.
Check out this map: https://athenspoliticsnerd.com/maps
Then type in your address. It should tell you who your commissioner is and their contact info.
I’m not sure if cleaning businesses count as “essential,” though I would not stress too much about it. People have to work. Wear gloves, don’t touch your face, and change them out frequently.
Who would I speak to about a call center not practicing the 6ft. social distancing set in place?
It’s an ordinance violation. I would call the police. I don’t know which of these numbers is the best to call, so I’ll put all of them:
Main: 706-613-3330 Non-Emergency: 706-613-3345
Crime Stoppers Tip Line: 706-705-4775
if people take it that way —–so what. most arent taking this serious enough. –got a family member in the health care field. —- said this is more serious than we think … shelter in place coming soon —and
probably the sooner the better . this stuff is contagious and the six foot rule is a joke, when you move in to the space that the person six ft away from you was just in a second earlier. , you are breathing the air they just exhaled. Got your mask?? go figure. .. clay