The action taken by Covington and Newton County within the last 24 hours with regards to mandating that the “maximum number of people self-isolate in their places of residence to the maximum extent possible, while enabling essential services to continue, to slow the spread of COVID-19 to the maximum extent possible”, is not and should not be considered a complete shut down of the local economy, though some businesses will cease to operate and others will be limited in operations, businesses defined as essential will continue to operate largely without impact.

Again, our focus here is to slow the spread of COVID-19 as much as possible. As mentioned during our emergency called teleconference meeting on March 25th, 2020, we are in a healthcare crisis and we don’t take any associated decisions lightly. We also stated during the March 25th meeting that we have relied on the advice and information obtained from healthcare professionals and sources. In so doing, we have attempted to stay abreast of information released by the Georgia Department of Heath, and the CDC. We have also received information and input from professionals with Piedmont Healthcare, Dr. Carlos Del Rio with Emory Healthcare in conjunction with the Georgia Municipal Association, and the head of the Newton County Health Department.

We will continue to seek the input, advice, and support of professionals in the healthcare field as well as from our government leaders at both the state and federal levels. We are all in this crisis together and we must work together so as to help protect ourselves and others. Therefore, we ask everyone to please comply with this and all government resolutions, ordinances, and orders aimed at helping to reduce the spread of COVID-19. We also ask everyone as individuals to make good personal choices and follow the guidelines provided by both the Georgia Department of Health and the CDC with regards to personal hygiene and social distancing measures and activities.

In closing, we appreciate the level of care and concern that has been expressed by citizens and business owners within our community for one another and for the support that has also been provided for all local government leaders as we have deliberated over and sought the right things to do in these most difficult and challenging times.

Sincerely,

Steve Horton
Mayor of Covington