The Rome City Commission has issued a call for Romans to shelter in place in an effort to stop the spread of COVID-19. The ordinance was approved by a unanimous vote during a virtual meeting held on Monday night.
Those who live within the city limits are called upon to shelter at their place of residence, unless they are leaving home for Essential Activities, Essential Government Functions, or to operate Essential Businesses.
Essential businesses include healthcare operations, grocery stores, restaurants that prepare food for delivery and carry out, and childcare facilities.
The ordinance becomes effective today at 5 pm and will remain in effect until 11:59 pm on April 7th, unless extended by Commissioners.
View the full ordinance (which includes a full list of Essential Businesses) at
https://romegeorgia.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/ordinance-3.23.pdf.
After this measure was passed, Mayor Bill Collins urged those who watched the meeting live on Facebook to stay home, wash your hands, and adhere to a six foot distance between you and others if you must leave home.
Floyd County Commissioners are expected to discuss a similar measure at its meeting today, which will also take place virtually.
Governor Brian Kemp delivered an address on Monday evening to Georgians during which he ordered the medically fragile to shelter in place, closed all bars and restaurants, and banned all gatherings of 10 or more people unless a distance of at least six feet between people is maintained at all times. Kemp’s order takes effect at noon today and remains in effect until noon on Monday, April 6th.