Fulton Joins Gwinnett: Stay Home Or Go To Jail Over Coronavirus

ATLANTA, GEORGIA — Fulton County just matched Gwinnett’s fine for breaking coronavirus restrictions — and threatened a jail penalty six times as long.

Fulton County announced Tuesday that anyone who violates the Fulton County Board of Health's coronavirus stay-at-home order may face up to a year in jail or up to a $1,000 fine upon conviction. This follows a similar announcement Sunday by the office of Gwinnett County’s Solicitor General. It’s the second such announcement in Georgia.

The order was signed by Dr. S. Elizabeth Ford, district health director of the Fulton County Board of Health, which said all residents of the county are "commanded to stay at their place of residence. All individuals are permitted to leave their places of residence only to provide or receive certain essential services or engage in certain essential activities and work for essential businesses and essential government functions."

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If a violation does occur, which would be a misdemeanor, residents could face up to $1,000 in fines, and/or up to a year of jail time.

“It is my hope that this Administrative Order enhances our efforts to keep Fulton County residents safe, and assists in flattening the COVID-19 curve,” Ford said.

According to the order, residents may leave home for essential activities to ensure the health and safety of themselves, their families or their pets. Outdoor activity like walking or running is allowed as long as social distancing is maintained. More information specific to Fulton restrictions is on Patch.com.

Related:

• Coronavirus: Alpharetta Considering Shelter-In-Place Wednesday
• GA Coronavirus: 31 New Deaths, Nearly 1,000 Hospitalized
• Coronavirus: Cumming Rescinds Social Distancing Order