UPDATED: Government and Business Closings – COVID-19
News March 13, 2020HIAWASSEE, Ga. – On the day of President Trump’s declaration of a national emergency, Towns County Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw notified FYN of multiple closings throughout the county due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
“The health and safety of Towns County citizens and our employees is my top concern,” Commissioner Bradshaw told FYN. “I’m working very closely with our EMA director, along with local and state authorities, to take the precautionary measures necessary to safeguard the community.”
Towns County Recreation Center in Young Harris will close March 16, suspending all sports, classes, and programs until further notice. Team practices will not be permitted at Foster Park fields or the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds.
Towns County Senior Center will additionally close. Meals on Wheels will continue its operations.
Towns County Transit bus operations will cease until further notice.
Visitors will be not be permitted to enter the Towns County Emergency Operations Center (E-911) in Young Harris.
Entry restrictions have been enacted at the Towns County Courthouse. Visitors who have traveled to Italy, Iran, South Korea, or China in the past 30 days, those who have come in close contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19, and persons asked to self-quarantine, diagnosed with COVID-19, or exhibiting symptoms of an undiagnosed illness or fever are not permitted to enter the county courthouse.
Towns County Schools announced on Thursday that the campus will close on March 16 for up to two weeks as a precaution. Online learning classes will be implemented for students.
Young Harris College is closed.
Towns County Detention Center has suspended visitations.
In other events, the Towns County Republican Party will video record the 2020 Towns County Sheriff Candidate Forum for those who do not wish to attend the event. The forum begins at 6 pm, Saturday, March 14, at the Towns County Middle School Auditorium.
UPDATED:
Towns County Libraries will close Tuesday, March 17.
Towns County Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw canceled the March 17 monthly meeting at the courthouse.
UPDATED:
Chatuge Regional Hospital entered “lockdown” on Tuesday, March 17.
“For the safety and wellbeing of our patients and staff. Chatuge Regional Hospital will be on lockdown effective immediately,” the statement said. “All hospital doors will be locked and remain locked except the emergency room entrance. No visitors will be allowed until further notice.”
Patients experiencing symptoms such as fever or respiratory ailments who have traveled in widely infected areas in the past 14 days are asked to call the hospital from their vehicle or immediately request a face mask.
Chatuge Regional Hospital: 706-896-2222
UPDATED:
Towns County Daycare will close as of Monday, March 23.
Hiawassee City Hall offices are closed.
Towns County EMA advised citizens who suspect that they may be experiencing symptoms related to the virus to contact the local health department or their primary healthcare provider by phone prior to visiting in person. Towns County 911 should be notified of patient symptoms prior to the arrival of first responders.
Click to view the Georgia Department of Public Health website
As of March 16, there were no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Towns County. A Towns County Elementary School teacher is awaiting test results at this time. The findings are expected this week. UPDATED: Test result was negative for COVID-19.
Business Closings:
Courtesy of Lake Chatuge Chamber of Commerce:
Asiano – Curbside service and delivery within a 10 mile radius
Brassie’s Grill – CLOSED
Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa – Takeout available
Brother’s at Willow Ranch – CLOSED
Cabin Coffee Co. – Blairsville, GA – Curbside service & takeout available
Chick-fil-A Blairsville – Drive-thru and delivery available within 10 minute range
Daniel’s Steakhouse of Hiawassee Ga – CLOSED
Enrico’s- Curbside service and takeout available
Hawg Wild BBQ & Catfish House of Hiawassee – Drive-thru
Hiawassee Brew – Curbside service and takeout available
Kountry Kitchen – Curbside service and takeout available
Marina Station – Takeout available
Mary’s Southern Grill – Takeout available
McLain’s on Main Cafe + Coffee Bar – Takeout available
Moondance Grilll – Curbside service available
Monte Alban – Takeout available
Papas Pizza To-go Hiawassee – Drive-thru, delivery area extended
Sand Bar & Grille – Takeout available
Sundance Grill- Curbside service and takeout available
The Copper Door – Curbside service only for dinner and wine
The Oaks Lakeside Kitchen – Takeout available
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