Macon-Bibb mayor orders restaurants, bars and salons to close

Macon-Bibb Mayor Robert Reichert ordered all county restaurants, bars and salons to close until April 6 in order to limit the spread of COVID-19. Restaurants will still be able to provide to-go, delivery, drive-through and curbside delivery service. The order goes into effect at 5:15 p.m.

“Since last Thursday, it has become evident that far too many of us are not taking this virus seriously enough,” Reichert said. “I have decided to take the next step. Today, I am declaring a state of emergency in Macon-Bibb County and requiring that certain businesses close or modify their operation for the next two weeks.

“Hopefully, this will be effective in slowing the virus and we will not have to take even more drastic action.”

The order was announced at a Monday morning press conference where Reichert declared a state of emergency and encouraged local residents to stay at home in order to limit community spread. He said community gatherings are limited to 10 people or less, including religious services.

The order also closes tattoo parlors, tanning salons, all indoor recreation facilities including gyms, bowling alleys, movie theaters and concert venues.

“All other retail establishments will be permitted to remain open, subject to the following restrictions: reasonable steps are taken to ensure customers and employees shall generally not be within six feet of each other for longer than brief periods, and employees are not suffered or permitted to work if they are exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 or residing with anyone exhibiting those symptoms,” Reichert read from the order.

The order doesn’t impact grocery stores, pharmacies, child or adult care facilities, residential buildings and transportation facilities like airports and bus terminals. Reichert said there is no curfew at this time.

All special event permits are canceled. Violation of the ordinance carries a potential $1,000 fine per violation and 60 days in jail.

“This is not an order that I take lightly,” Reichert said. “But it is put in place with the knowledge that it will be a serious challenge for our families, it will do financial damage to businesses that close and constitute an impairment of commerce of all types.

“But it is essential to prevent the spread of the virus, which could overwhelm our hospitals and impair available treatment to our most critically ill patients and loved ones. Despite these restrictions in the order that are meant to keep us physically apart, we must find ways to come spiritually together through our efforts to support each other.”

Gov. Brian Kemp has hesitated to announce statewide business closures, prompting some cities and counties to declare their own states of emergency and restrict the way businesses operate. Bibb County has already shifted how it’s operating, canceling meetings or holding them via teleconference and announcing changes in county services.

This story will be updated.

This story was originally published March 23, 2020 at 11:21 AM.