Mayor Johnson asks people voluntarily to wear masks when performing ‘essential business’ —
Fayetteville Mayor Ed Johnson on April 9 revealed that four city firefighters have tested positive for the coronavirus and have gone into quarantine. Johnson said that the four had minimal contact with the public. He said all three city fire stations and City Hall have been deep-cleaned by a professional cleaning company.
That information came during an update on the local situation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He praised the efforts of those providing essential services, noted the challenges and the hopes for small business and gave thanks for those in the community lending a hand, with neighbor helping neighbor and stranger helping stranger.
Johnson noted that city staff and council members have an ongoing concern for the city’s residents and businesses.
Johnson expressed gratitude for the work provided by healthcare workers and those providing essential services throughout the city.
“Words of thanks and encouragement seem inadequate to those who are on the front line fighting to save lives while putting their own lives and health at risk,” Johnson said, referencing the selflessness and sacrifice being displayed.
Johnson also acknowledged the others doing essential work in and for the community, such as those who pick-up the trash, deliver mail and stock grocery shelves.
Johnson expressed the belief that, while working together during the days of COVID-19, “There are great things to be achieved by working together instead of in opposition. Historically speaking, adversity has always unified Americans, and it is our hope and prayer that this pandemic will encourage citizens of Fayetteville to operate on one accord. Thank you, for those who recognize that only working together to support one another during this pandemic will we survive as a community.”
Turning his thoughts to the local business community, Johnson said, “This pandemic has presented great financial challenges and hardships to your business survival. Many of our small business owners have creatively and resourcefully found ways to keep their doors open and to continue to serve the public as best they can while maintaining health standards and practices. The survival of our local economy is largely dependent on survival of our local small businesses. When this pandemic is over, let’s support them even more.”
Johnson during his remarks reference Gov. Brian Kemp’s shelter at home order through April 30. Johnson said city police officers have been authorized to enforce aspects of the executive order, including making sure that people are not gathering in groups of more than 10, and practicing six feet social distance separation.
Continuing, Johnson said the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office and Ga. State Patrol have been authorized to close businesses that refuse to comply with the executive order.
Johnson said that, while not mandatory, the city is asking residents to wear a cloth covering over the nose and mouth when engaging in essential business.
Johnson reiterated the types of businesses in the executive order that should be closed for the duration of the order. Those include bars, gyms, fitness centers, bowling alleys, theaters, live performance venues, amusement parks, hair designers and hair salons, beauty and barber shops, cosmetology, hair design and barber schools, nail salons and licensed massage therapists.
Johnson also noted that dine-in restaurant activities are closed, with the exception of those providing pick-up and delivery services.
“The good news is that the majority of Fayetteville are complying with the executive order, and we are grateful to all who are complying. Even better, we are seeing a great outpouring of love and support across the city, with neighbor helping neighbor, and with stranger helping stranger,” said Johnson. “This commendable behavior represents the best of our community.”
Johnson said public safety personnel have also received an outpouring of support from local residents, for which the city is grateful.
For more information visit the city’s website at www.fayetteville-ga.gov
Johnson’s address can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H9wWOfCPD_o&feature=youtu.be
