Cherokee County Board of Commissioners Issue Declaration of Emergency
The Cherokee County Board of Commissioners issued a Declaration of Local Emergency and Local Emergency Order to further the County’s preparedness to combat the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). The order activates the Emergency Operations Plan and enacts temporary restrictions for residents to self-isolate in their places of residence. The order will remain in effect until 12 am on April 9, unless modified by the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners.

“This order calls for citizens to shelter at home except where it’s truly necessary to go out. It requires citizens to stay at home except for necessary work, to obtain essential goods and services, and for other necessary purposes. But it allows citizens the latitude do interpret what’s necessary and essential under the circumstance,” said Commission Chairman Harry Johnson. “It also requires the closure of many places where people congregate or have close contact with each other, including dine-in restaurant service. The county order also supplements the Governor’s order of March 23, which prohibits gatherings of more than 10 people unless they can maintain six feet of separation.” 



What Does This Order Do?
  • Forces restaurants in unincorporated Cherokee to cease dine-in operations (limited to take-out or delivery options).
  • Cancels all permits for community gatherings (indoor/outdoor) for groups of (10) or more and no new permits will be issued for Specials Events during the duration of the order.
  • Forces establishments in unincorporated Cherokee providing body care services, which require physical contact between provider or client, to close for business during the duration of the order (unless performed under a licensed medical professional).
  • STRONGLY encourages employers and businesses who remain open to provide employees with the means and equipment to perform their jobs remotely, if able.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this mean all businesses in Cherokee County are required to close?
No, the Order only effects businesses located in unincorporated areas of Cherokee County. The list of businesses required to close pursuant to the Order can be viewed here.

Does this apply to the cities in Cherokee?
No, many of our cities have passed their own Emergency Orders which can be viewed below.


Is the County under a curfew?
No.

Do I need a pass or some form of permission to go to work?
No.

Can restaurants stay open?
Yes, restaurants are allowed to stay open provided they offer take out or delivery services, though dining inside restaurants or outdoor patio areas of restaurant is strictly prohibited.


What are body care establishments?
The list of body care establishments are located   under section 3(g)   .

Can I visit county parks?
Yes, trails and open-play areas of local parks remain open to the general public. Playgrounds, pavilions, athletic fields and courts in county parks are closed. 


Can I go outside to exercise?
Yes, the County asks that residents follow the Order's guidelines on social distancing and spacing of at least six feet. Any activity of more than 10 people is in violation of the Governor’s Executive Order .  

Can I go play golf?
Yes, golf courses are allowed to remain open, however, the dining rooms inside clubhouses are to close. The clubhouses are to serve food only through take-out and snack bar options. On the course, golfers have to maintain six-foot separation (if more than 10 are present) pursuant to the Order’s guidelines. 

Can I leave my house to go pick up supplies?
Yes, citizens are allowed the latitude to decide what’s necessary for them to leave their homes. They just have to maintain six feet of separation if 10 or more people are gathered. 
Small Business Resources
Governor Brian Kemp announced Georgia has received an official statewide disaster declaration from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). This declaration will provide assistance in the form SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans to impacted small businesses in Cherokee and all counties in Georgia.
PROTECT YOUR HEALTH
Social distancing, including avoiding close contact with others, is one way to protect yourself from infectious diseases. In addition, you can reduce your risk in other ways:
 
  • Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
  • Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water is not available
  •  People who are sick should always cover their coughs and sneezes using a tissue or the crook of their elbow; wash your hands after using a tissue to wipe your nose or mouth
  • People who are sick should stay home from work or school until they are well
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with your unwashed hands

For more information, please visit our COVID-19 webpage at https://www.cherokeega.com/_focus/corona-virus-plan.php and follow us on social media using the hashtag #CherokeeCOVID19.