On March 23, 2020 at 9:00 am, the Columbia County Board of Commissioners held a press conference where Chairman Doug Duncan announced new rules that would apply to businesses in Columbia County to help reduce the spread of the COVID -19 virus.

On March 23, 2020 at 5:00 pm, Governor Brian Kemp held a press conference where he announced similar new rules for businesses that apply to the entire state.

Based on these announcements and pursuant to Georgia law, all retail and commercial establishments in Columbia County shall comply with the following directive until further notice:

No business or organization shall allow more than ten (10) persons to be gathered at a single location if such gathering requires persons to stand or to be seated within six (6) feet of another person. This rule shall not apply to healthcare facilities, child/adult care facilities, grocery stores, pharmacies, gas stations, office or manufacturing spaces or any other facility deemed necessary to remain open.

Any business found in violation of these requirements must take immediate action(s) to comply and will be subject to punitive action up to and including the loss of its business license to operate within Columbia County.

Nothing contained herein shall be deemed as an attempt to limit the authority of the Columbia County Health Department branch of the Georgia Department of Public Health to immediately mandate the closure of any business, establishment, corporation, non-profit corporation, or any other organization not in compliance with these requirements with resources provided by the Georgia Department of Public Safety.

Businesses are also encouraged to follow guidelines from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) by adhering to the following:

• Businesses should stagger work schedules to decrease staff as possible.

• Businesses should decrease social contacts in the workplace (e.g., limit in-person meetings, meeting for lunch in a break room, etc.)

• Businesses should clean, disinfect and sanitize as often as possible any frequently touched surfaces.

• Employees are required to stay home if they feel sick and follow employer guidelines for sick leave and missed work.

• Employees are encouraged to wear gloves and masks, if available.

• Employees must wash hands regularly.

• Employees should avoid touching their face (eyes, nose and mouth).

• Employees are to cover a cough or sneeze with a tissue.

• Businesses must ensure hand hygiene supplies are readily available in the building.

• Businesses are encouraged to cancel non-essential travel for employees.

• Businesses are encouraged to implement telework arrangements, if possible.