The public health threat of the highly contagious coronavirus has resulted in closing to the public a lot of local government and charity operations.
These include all public schools.
Closed to public access are all city-owned buildings and other facilities in Peachtree City, Fayetteville and Tyrone.
The same is true for buildings and facilities owned by the Fayette County government, with one exception: the place where you pay for and get your automobile license tags.
There, Tax Commissioner Kristie King is restricting the number of people who can enter the tag office at one time. Others must wait outside.
In all cases, public recreation facilities are also closed to public participation.
In all cases, these government offices are still accessible via telephone, email and websites.
Here are some other closures in Fayette:
FAYETTE COUNTY SCHOOL SYSTEM
Orders from Gov. Brian Kemp on March 16 will keep Fayette County schools and those across Georgia closed through March 31.
“Last night, Governor Brian Kemp issued an executive order closing all public elementary, secondary and post-secondary public schools in Georgia from March 18 to March 31 to help lessen the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus),” said Fayette County School System spokesperson Melinda Berry-Dreisbach.
“In compliance with the executive order, Fayette County Public Schools will remain closed through March 31. We will contact you by no later than noon on March 30 to inform you of school operations for April 1.”
Berry-Dreisbach said students will continue participating in virtual learning until normal school operations resume. Pre-kindergarten, kindergarten and first grade teachers will provide parents with a list of non-digital activities, as well as digital resources, to continue studies.
Modified work schedules that have been communicated to staff through their supervisor/administrator are still in effect. Staff should regularly check their FCBOE email accounts for any updates or changes, Berry-Dreisbach noted.
FAYETTE, PEACHTREE CITY and TYRONE LIBRARIES
The libraries in Fayetteville, Tyrone and Peachtree City are closed due to concerns over COVID-19.
The Fayette County Library in Fayetteville will be closed through March 28, and all programs and events previously scheduled during this time frame are cancelled.
The current plan calls for the library to re-open on Monday, March 30, though that is subject to change.
The library’s electronic services are still available.
The Peachtree City Library closed at 5 p.m. on Monday and will remain closed through March 29.
Additionally, all library programs, events, voting and meetings at the library are cancelled through April 30.
Library users are encouraged to keep all library materials for the time being, library staff said. Do not leave them in the outside book returns if at all possible. Library fines incurred during the closure will be waived. Patrons can also access their accounts at www.gapines.org
Also in accordance with the Ga. Secretary of State, advanced voting has been postponed until May 19.
And in Tyrone, the library closed March 13 and will be closed until further notice.
Library staff suggested patrons consider downloading books and audio through the virtual library on the library’s website at tyrone.org/library
FAYETTE SENIOR SERVICES
Precautions associated with coronavirus led Fayette Senior Services to close all three locations for two weeks beginning March 16. Meals on Wheels and other vital services will continue to be provided.
A notice on the FSS Facebook page noted that, “For the health and safety of all, Fayette Senior Services will close all three Life Enrichment Centers starting Monday, March 16 for two weeks with a tentative re-open date of Monday, March 30.”
Closed locations include the Fayetteville center located at 4 Center Drive, and locations in Peachtree City including the Gathering Place at 203 McIntosh Trail and McIntosh Place at 191 McIntosh Trail.
The situation is being closely monitored and any changes will be posted, FSS staff said.
Vital services such as Meals on Wheels, non-emergency medical transportation, and in-home services will continue to be provided to meet the needs of those most in need.
FFS can be contacted at 770-461-0813.
FAYETTE PROBATE COURT
The Fayette Probate Court offices will be physically closed to the public for the week of March 16-20 and possibly the following week, or more, said Probate Judge Ann Jackson.
“We encourage people to mail in documents and requests for copies, and to not appear personally at the courthouse.This is to discourage people from coming into public areas where they might be contaminated or might spread the virus if they are a carrier,” Jackson said. “The court has a security window currently used for acceptance of passport applications at which attorneys or customers may drop off documents.”
Jackson said the majority of the Probate Court duties are face to face encounters with customers that will be suspended by closure of the office.
Court staff, or a limited number of court staff, will be in the office during business hours to attend to business that can be handled without face to face contact with customers. Such duties would include but are not limited to:
– intake and process mail including but not limited to pleadings;
– intake documents/pleadings filed in person (to be received only at security window currently used for passport application receipt and processing);
– reply to telephone calls and provide information;
– reply to email or fax communications;
– fill written requests for copies of records, files, death certificates for funeral homes;
– intake and process emergency petitions for guardianship/conservatorship of adults;
– intake affidavits for orders to apprehend and issuance of orders if appropriate;
– intake and process emergency/urgent decedent’s estate petitions;
– mail out weapons carry licenses previously approved.
The following services will not be provided while the office is closed:
– acceptance of applications for weapons carry licenses;
– in person requests for birth or death certificates;
– in person filing of paternity affidavits;
– in person filing of miscellaneous documents handled in probate court; and
– acceptance of passport applications.
Jackson said the U. S. State Department will be notified of the suspension of passport applications and the Georgia Dept. of Vital Records will be notified of the suspension of face to face vital records functions.
FAYETTE STATE COURT
State Court Judge Jason Thompson announced Monday that Fayette County State Court will alter its operations through April 14.
Thompson on his Facebook page said, “For anyone with business in Fayette County State Court, please note that Chief Justice Harold D. Melton declared a Statewide Judicial Emergency through April 14.”
Thompson said court staff are on-duty, phones are being answered, emails are being returned and motions are being reviewed.
Only “emergency” court sessions will be held until April 14, Thompson said.
Those with questions about a case pending in Fayette County State Court can call the office at 770-716-4270.
For more information visit https://fayettecountyga.gov/courts/state_court/index.htm.
