(Lawrenceville, Ga., March 20, 2020) – Many businesses in Gwinnett have taken voluntary steps to slow the spread of COVID-19 and to protect the safety of their employees, patrons and the community as a whole. Some gyms have closed entirely or reduced services to a limited number of personal training sessions. Some theaters and entertainment venues have closed, and some restaurants have closed their indoor and patio dining areas, limiting service to drive-thru and takeout.

“The district commissioners and I would like to express our deep appreciation to the Gwinnett restaurants, fitness centers, entertainment venues, hair and nail salons, barber shops, tattoo parlors and similar establishments that have closed or modified their operations on a voluntary basis,” said Nash.

She added that Gwinnett County Government strongly encourages all restaurants, fitness centers, private clubs, arcades, other entertainment venues and personal care establishments like nail and hair salons, barber shops and tattoo parlors to take similar voluntary measures as quickly as possible.

The County specifically encourages all restaurants located in unincorporated Gwinnett to limit service to drive-thru, takeout, and/or delivery service in accordance with CDC guidelines and to voluntarily close dining areas, including outdoor/patio dining areas. Gyms, fitness centers and fitness studios are encouraged to significantly modify or cease operations.

Theaters, live performance venues, bowling alleys, arcades, private clubs and other similar establishments are encouraged to cease operations if they are not able to modify their operations enough to significantly reduce the spread of COVID-19. Likewise, personal care establishments like hair and nail salons, barber shops and tattoo parlors, that by nature involve closer contact than the social distancing recommended by the CDC, are requested to consider closing if they are unable to take additional safety measures.

By quickly taking these actions, businesses will help shorten the period of time the entire community is adversely affected by COVID-19. Without such voluntary actions, it is likely that mandated closures will have to be instituted.

Nash said, “Again, we would like to say thank you to all of the businesses that have already changed their operations in order to reduce the spread of COVID-19.”