State of Emergency Update

March 20, 2020

12:00 PM

City of Statesboro Declares State of Emergency

Statesboro, GA— Mayor Jonathan McCollar issued a state of emergency declaration for the City of Statesboro Thursday night during a livestream on the city’s Facebook page in response to the continued spread of COVID-19. The announcement comes after recent, similar declarations from the state of Georgia and Bulloch County and grants the Mayor certain powers allowed for in the Georgia Emergency Management Act of 1981.

“This is an unprecedented moment in time,” said Mayor McCollar. “The purpose of this declaration is to ensure that we’re doing everything humanly possible to protect the health and safety our citizens. COVID-19 is a common enemy, and we must come together as a community to defend the city that we love.”

The Mayor went on to outline what the declaration would mean for citizens of Statesboro.

“We ask that you continue to exercise good hygiene, wash your hands routinely, and practice social distancing. We are recommending that our local restaurants utilize their online order and carry out options to keep their onsite patron numbers below 10. We are also strongly encouraging public gatherings with more than 10 people be canceled or postponed until the health crisis has subsided.”

Mayor McCollar wanted to make clear the City of Statesboro was still open for business but would be taking steps to protect its employees by practicing social distancing and enhancing sanitation measures. City Hall and other city departments will continue to operate as usual but will be limiting outside traffic. Customers are encouraged to pay their bill online, by phone, or use the drive through and drop boxes at City Hall. Utilities will remain available and not be disconnected. The police and fire departments will also continue normal operations to keep the community safe.

“The next two weeks are critical,” said Mayor McCollar. “What we do over the next 15 days can help to flatten the curve and slow the spread of the virus. That’s why it’s important that we remain calm and understanding, practice preventative safety measures, and be considerate when buying supplies – get what you need, but don’t go overboard. We are strong. We are Statesboro. And We can do this.”

The Mayor ended his livestream by reminding viewers to check for updates on the City of Statesboro website and Facebook page.

Currently, there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Statesboro or Bulloch County. However, both the city and county continue to monitor the virus and work closely with the Bulloch County Health Department and Bulloch County Emergency Management to provide updates that would affect the community.

More information, including links with guidance for businesses, employers and schools, is posted on the CDC’s website at CDC.gov. Localized information regarding COVID-19, can be found at DPH’s website at dph.georgia.gov. Additionally, the state of Georgia has dedicated a hotline to answering questions and concerns regarding COVID-19. To learn more, call 1-844-442-2681.