Metro Atlanta
Metro Atlanta

Lawrenceville declares state of emergency over coronavirus pandemic

Beginning in 2020, the Lawrenceville City Council will move work session meetings to 5 p.m. on the second Wednesday of the month and the regular city council meetings to 7 p.m. on the fourth Monday of each month. (Courtesy City of Lawrenceville)
Beginning in 2020, the Lawrenceville City Council will move work session meetings to 5 p.m. on the second Wednesday of the month and the regular city council meetings to 7 p.m. on the fourth Monday of each month. (Courtesy City of Lawrenceville)
By Amanda C. Coyne
March 18, 2020

Lawrenceville has declared a local state of emergency over coronavirus, temporarily allowing government meetings via teleconference, to-go sales of beer and wine from restaurants and other measures.

The Lawrenceville City Council unanimously approved the emergency declaration Wednesday. Other provisions in the resolution include a delay in alcohol tax payments for restaurants and the creation of drive-thru and pick-up lanes for downtown restaurants.

READ | Parks closed, restricted in Gwinnett to prevent coronavirus spread

“I believe it is in the best interest of the City to declare a local state of emergency to provide certain emergency powers to cope with such an emergency for the protection, safety, health and welfare of the public,” said Mayor David Still in a press release. “In addition, this action will allow the City to be creative in responding to the needs of our local businesses in order to lessen the impact to their bottom line.”

Other cities that have declared states of emergency include Atlanta, Norcross and Brookhaven.

As stores open every day, shoppers continue to fill their carts.

About the Author

Amanda Coyne is a hyperlocal reporter for the AJC, covering Gwinnett County.

Follow Amanda C. Coyne on facebookFollow Amanda C. Coyne on twitter
More Stories

Keep Reading

A bicyclist rides on the Beltline by Atlanta’s Krog Street Market on Sept. 16, just before the start of what experts projected would be an unseasonably warm fall. This week’s temperatures are in line with that prediction, as highs are expected to tie or break records. (Arvin Temkar/AJC)

Credit: arvin.temkar@ajc.com

Mid-November heat wave could break metro Atlanta temperature records

Metro Atlanta temperatures are expected to reach near-record highs over the next few days, just a week after North Georgia froze over.

DeKalb votes to move forward with $77 million ambulance contract

DeKalb County commissioners voted to approve a new $77 million ambulance contract with the county's existing provider, American Medical Response.

Girl stabbed to death by mother found positioned in a recliner, warrants say

A Sandy Springs mother fatally stabbed her 11-year-old daughter, whose body police found cleaned and placed in a recliner, according to Fulton County court documents.

The Latest

A bicyclist rides on the Beltline by Atlanta’s Krog Street Market on Sept. 16, just before the start of what experts projected would be an unseasonably warm fall. This week’s temperatures are in line with that prediction, as highs are expected to tie or break records. (Arvin Temkar/AJC)

Credit: arvin.temkar@ajc.com

Mid-November heat wave could break metro Atlanta temperature records

DeKalb votes to move forward with $77 million ambulance contract

Girl stabbed to death by mother found positioned in a recliner, warrants say

Featured

Lt. Gov. Burt Jones — pictured at an August rally in Peachtree City that also featured Vice President JD Vance — appears to have scored another legal victory over gubernatorial rival Attorney General Chris Carr in their battle over campaign finance issues. (Arvin Temkar/AJC 2025)

Credit: Arvin Temkar / AJC

Lt. Gov. Burt Jones scores another victory over use of campaign cash

Lt. Gov. Burt Jones appears to have scored another victory over Attorney General Chris Carr as the Republican gubernatorial candidates battle over campaign finance issues.

Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr.’s season is over; needs surgery to repair ACL

Michael Penix Jr., whom the Falcons hoped was their quarterback of the future, will undergo season-ending surgery to repair a partially torn ACL in his left knee.

Typewriter Tom fuels a growing interest in analog writing devices

Roswell's Tom Rehkopf owns about 1,000 typewriters, which he tinkers with at his workshop and happily shares with fellow aficionados, curious youngsters and even Tom Hanks.