Savannah issues shelter in place order as coronavirus cases rise. What stays open?
Savannah mayor Van Johnson issued a shelter in place order for the City of Savannah Tuesday morning, mandating that “non-essential” businesses must close their facilities and residents must stay home except for essential activities.
The order, which also prohibits gatherings outside the home and non-essential travel, goes into effect at 11:59 p.m. Tuesday and will continue until at least April 8.
As of Tuesday, Chatham County has seven reported coronavirus cases, and Georgia surpassed 1,000 cases and 30 deaths.
Residents are allowed to leave their homes to gather supplies, care for family members and pets, exercise and work.
The order defines healthcare providers, schools, restaurants, food and hardware stores, gas stations, private travel companies, banks, senior and child care facilities, construction companies and charities as essential businesses.
Barber shops and beauty salons are allowed to remain open as long as social distancing is implemented, according to the order.
Public parks will remain open, but public athletic facilities such as swimming pools and playgrounds will close.
Individuals experiencing homelessness are exempted from the shelter in place order, “but are strongly encouraged to obtain shelter,” according to the order.
The full order, which includes more detailed exceptions, is available on the city’s website.
This story was originally published March 24, 2020 at 3:13 PM.