Dunwoody tightens virus-related restrictions, closing gyms and playgrounds

Here are five ways you can assist others during the coronavirus outbreak.

Dunwoody has added gyms and playgrounds to its list of places that must close in an effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

The northern DeKalb County city previously declared a local state of emergency and prohibited in-person dining at restaurants, a rule that goes into effect 9 p.m. Friday.

During an emergency City Council meeting Friday afternoon conducted via teleconference, officials unanimously voted that gyms, sports clubs and facilities offering close-contact sports must close by Friday night.

The City Council is also considering a mandate ordering businesses that offer massages, manicures, haircuts or other grooming services to close for at least 30 days. It may also tell event facilities that can hold more than 10 people to “discontinue business.” Officials are expected to address those industries at a meeting Monday night.

Officials announced Thursday that it closed playgrounds and restrooms at its public parks, including Brook Run Park, Dunwoody Park and Nature Center, Georgetown Park, Pernoshal Park and Windwood Hollow Park. Signs were placed at the playground informing visitors about the closures, and park restrooms were locked.

The parks themselves are still open.

“We’re putting the safety and well-being of children and families first,” Dunwoody Parks and Recreation Director Brent Walker said in a statement. “Our trails remain open, but we’re asking people to avoid congregating in groups of 10 or more anywhere in our parks, based on guidance from the CDC.”

Doraville also passed sweeping restrictions this week, ordering gyms and sports clubs to close, as well as businesses that offer "massage, manicure, hairstyling or personal grooming services."

Several other cities in metro Atlanta, including Doraville, have passed new rules that require restaurants and bars to offer only takeout and pick-up orders.

» COMPLETE COVERAGE: Coronavirus in Georgia