The city of Dalton, Whitfield County and the other communities in the county have expanded the COVID-19 response and will enforce more strict measures to help stop the spread of the deadly virus.
Starting at 11 p.m. Wednesday, any person showing any symptoms of the coronavirus will not be allowed in public places. People in public spaces will also need to maintain a distance of at least 6 feet from other people and people who are considered by the CDC to be “at risk” are required to shelter in place and refrain from being in public places.
The new order also says people can’t be in groups of ten or more. That includes funerals, religious worship meetings, flea markets, yard sales, theaters, fitness centers and many other social functions.
Retail establishments – other than grocery stores, convenience stores and pharmacies – has to limit the number of customers to one person per 1,000 feet of floor space. Stores that have less than 5,000 square feet of space will be allowed to have a maximum of five people in the store at one time. All businesses, including grocery stores, must be diligent about keeping customers six feet apart from each other.
Dine-in services at restaurants is also now prohibited. Restaurants, bars and other establishments can offer drive-thru, carry out and curbside pick-up service. Cafeterias in licensed medical centers or nursing homes are exempted.