Ball Ground, Holly Springs and Waleska have joined their counterparts across metro Atlanta declaring states of emergencies, authorizing their mayors to issue emergency orders in attempts to stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

Ball Ground Mayor Rick Roberts told residents to "shelter in place," saying doing so "will hopefully be effective in lowering the number of coronavirus cases and save lives in our region." To view the city's declaration: https://bit.ly/2UE68Af

Besides urging residents to stay home and venture out only for essential purposes, Holly Springs and Waleska prohibited gatherings of more than 10 people, if a separation of six feet could not be maintained. To view Holly Springs' order: https://bit.ly/3dtV8yh To view Waleska's order: https://bit.ly/2yfcajz

Ball Ground ordered businesses other than those deemed essential to dial back to “minimum basic operations.” Holly Springs said establishments with proper alcohol licenses could sell unopened beer or wine for take-out during the hours package sales are permitted.