Curfew in effect for Macon (6:20 p.m. update)

Jennifer Burk - jburk@macon.com

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A curfew will be in effect in Macon and Bibb County from 8 tonight until 6 a.m. Monday morning, and Bibb County schools will be closed tomorrow, Mayor Robert Reichert and schools Superintendent Sharon Patterson announced this afternoon.

No one will be allowed in public spaces or streets between those times, except for law enforcement, medical personnel and those performing necessary government functions, according to Reichert's executive order declaring the curfew.

Residents also may go to work or go home, said Andrew Blascovich, Reichert's director of external affairs.

"But be as direct (as you can), and try to be cognizant of the areas that have been hard hit, and try to avoid them unless it's absolutely necessary," he said.

Police and sheriff's deputies will enforce the curfew and will stop motorists on the road during that time.

The curfew will be enforced fairly and with common sense, and those with legitimate or urgent reasons for being out past curfew will not be detained if their information is verifiable, according to a news release from the Sheriff's Office.

"However, those who are found near locations such as closed, damaged or unoccupied businesses and other areas such as storm damaged residential districts will face closer scrutiny and risk being detained and arrested in order to protect the interests of business(es) and home owners in Bibb County," according to the news release.

The curfew is meant to protect public safety and businesses and residences from further damage, Reichert said. Officials will decide Monday whether to extend it.

Police Sgt. Melanie Hofmann said police are concerned about the possibility of looting at damaged businesses as night falls, and there will be an increased police presence in the hard-hit areas.

Residents who do have to be out in the streets are advised to watch out for downed and low-hanging power lines, as well as cleared debris on the sides of the roads.

"Be careful out there tonight," Reichert said. "Go home. Stay home."

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