County’s smaller towns taking steps against virus spread

Published 1:49 pm Friday, March 27, 2020

Thomas County’s six smaller municipalities are declaring states of emergency and setting curfews to deal with the coronavirus onslaught.

In Barwick, city hall is closed to the public, with payments made through a glass partition. Public buildings, parks and playgrounds are closed.

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Public and private gatherings in Barwick are limited to 10 or fewer people. The rule is take-out, drive-through or delivery only at Barwick restaurants. Bars and taverns are closed.

Barwick residents have 30 extra days to pay utilities bills without disruption of services. Balances must be paid by April 25 unless an extension is granted.

Barwick has a curfew from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.

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Boston City Council is ensuring local restaurants and other businesses are following the governor’s executive orders, said Twink Monahan, Boston mayor pro tem.

A 14-day state of emergency is in effect in Coolidge. Parks, playgrounds and public buildings are closed. Food is take-out only, said Mayor Diane Causey.

The April Coolidge City Council meeting has been cancelled.

There will be no penalties on water bills in March. Payments and paperwork may be deposited in a box outside at city hall, Causey said.

“That is working quite well for us,” Causey said.

Coolidge City Council member Reece Yarbrough said a Coolidge curfew of 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. is in effect.

Meigs City Council has called an emergency meeting for 5:30 p.m. Monday to declare a state of emergency and to establish virus-related rulings, said city clerk Valerie Hutchins.

Ochlocknee City Hall is closed. Residents may make an appointment to carry out an essential service.

Businesses are serving customers via drive-through or curbside, said city clerk Lavonia  Vonier.

Gatherings of more than 10 people are prohibited in Ochlocknee.

A declaration of emergency is in effect in Pavo, said city clerk Becky Reyes.

A Pavo curfew is in effect from 10 a.m. to 6 a.m. Playgrounds and parks are closed. Gatherings are limited to 10 or fewer people.

Reyes said payments for utilities, taxes or court fines maybe called into city hall when using a credit card or deposited in a box outside city hall.

Pavo’s restaurant is doing business by take-out only. Only 50 percent occupancy is allowed in businesses.

Reyes said Pavo residents needing help during the virus crisis should call city hall at 859-2110 for assistance.