The Canton City Council on Wednesday authorized its mayor to issue an emergency declaration with a “shelter in place” order, directing residents to stay home to stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

The declaration, in effect through April 12, also orders non-essential businesses to reduce activity to "minimum basic operations." To view the declaration: https://bit.ly/2vLoEhI

“The citizens have overwhelmingly asked the council to look out for their interests during this pandemic,” Mayor Bill Grant said. “This declaration and shelter in place order looks out for those residents and encourages all citizens to stay at home unless they have to get out for essential needs.”

Canton residents can leave their homes to travel to a grocery store or pharmacy, seek exercise at a public park, or conduct “essential business” as defined by the declaration — working at a bank, or fixing people’s plumbing, to name two examples. While outside, the public must maintain “social distancing” of at least six feet from another person.

Information: https://bit.ly/2xlwwan

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