Web Alert

COVID-19 updates

Read the full details of the County’s COVID-19 response here. Highlights are listed below.

Masks required in County facilities
In the face of a surging number of cases of COVID-19, Gwinnett County is requiring face masks or face coverings for all visitors and employees while inside County buildings and facilities.

Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners Chairwoman Nicole Hendrickson signed the executive order, which cites face mask recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to reduce the spread of the disease, and that the Supreme Court has ruled a community has the right to protect its citizens from epidemics. The order allows exceptions for bona fide medical or religious reasons and for people who cannot don or remove masks by themselves. The order requires a face mask covering the mouth and nose inside County facilities. People who do not comply may be denied entry or may be asked to leave.

Public Health State of Emergency extended through May 30

On Friday, April 23, Governor Kemp extended the Public Health State of Emergency through May 30, 2021. The Public Health State of Emergency allows for enhanced coordination across government and the private sector for supply procurement, comprehensive testing, and health care capacity. Read the latest executive order (04.23.21.01).

Georgia’s “shelter in place” orders have expired. Georgians are strongly encouraged to get a COVID-19 vaccine. As vaccine distribution continues, Georgians are also encouraged to continue wearing masks, observing social distancing, and regularly washing and sanitizing their hands.

The state has provided guidance to help businesses, like restaurants, bars, gyms, movie theaters, food establishments, and more understand requirements for keeping customers and employees safe.

Courts and Trials
On Thursday, April 8, Chief Justice Harold D. Melton of the Supreme Court of Georgia extended the statewide judicial emergency declaration through May 8, 2021.

Judge Melton lifted the suspension of jury trials in Georgia, stating that trial courts may resume jury trials “if that can be done safely and in accordance with a final jury trial plan developed in collaboration with the local committee of judicial system participants and incorporated into the court’s written operating guidelines for in-person proceedings.”

As with previous orders, this order continues to encourage all courts to use technology to conduct remote judicial proceedings as a safer alternative to in-person proceedings where practicable and lawful.

As a result of this extension, the March 30 order signed by Chief Judge George Hutchinson III of the Gwinnett County Superior Court is also extended through May 8.