The Douglas County Board of Commissioners voted 4-1 to adopt an Emergency Ordinance issued by the Douglas County Board of Health to help lessen the spread of the coronavirus, also known as COVID-19.  The vote occurred at a special-called meeting at Citizens Hall on Friday, March 27, 2020 at 12:00 p.m. just two days after the Douglas County Board of Health voted unanimously to issue a “shelter in place” order for Douglas County.

“The Emergency Ordinance recognizes the serious public health emergency we are facing which the Douglas County Board of Health recognized along with various other agencies of the State and Federal Government,” Chairman Dr. Romona Jackson Jones said. “I want to leave a word of encouragement for our citizens, we will get through this and we will get through this together and we still will be standing at the end.”

Chairman Jones released a brief summary of the Douglas County Emergency Order on COVID-19 after the special-called meeting and noted that a list of Frequent Asked Questions will also be made available to the public on our website and social media platforms.

• The Emergency Ordinance is intended to have a duration thru April 10, unless extended, modified or repealed by executive action.
• The Emergency Ordinance strongly encourages public health best practices, social distancing, and limiting public gatherings.
• All businesses are allowed to function, subject to public health best practices including social distancing, limitations on gatherings, etc.

·        a) Non-essential businesses can operate during the hours of 6 am until 9 pm.

·        b) Non-essential businesses are allowed to restock and handle logistics post hours.

·        c) The public is allowed to travel to all non-essential businesses from 6 am until 9 pm, subject to public health best practices.

·        d) Essential businesses are exempt from any time requirements but are encouraged to use best health practices, social distancing, limiting public gatherings, etc.

• People are allowed to travel for any essential purpose, such as healthcare, pharmaceutical, medical supplies, etc.
• In continuation of the Chairman’s Executive Order, gatherings are limited to 10 people using social distancing best practices, except for household families.

A copy of the Emergency Ordinance, can be found on the Douglas County government website, www.celebratedouglascounty.com along with a list of frequently asked questions.