Norcross declares state of emergency due to coronavirus

The city of Norcross has declared a state of emergency due to the coronavirus pandemic.

There are no known cases within city limits, but the emergency declaration allows the city to work towards preventing its spread. The city council’s first action in declaring the emergency was to approve holding meetings by teleconference.

READ | Gwinnett cities close buildings, adjust services due to coronavirus

The state of emergency will last until April 17 and can be renewed if necessary. The city code regarding emergencies is vague, saying they can be used to make “all reasonable provisions deemed necessary to deal with or meet such an emergency for the protection, safety, health or well-being of the citizens of the city.”

The city had already closed a park to groups larger than 10, closed its municipal court and altered employees’ schedules to reduce in-person interaction. The Norcross Police Department has asked the public to call before coming to its headquarters and will be taking reports for more incidents over the phone.

Future meetings of the Norcross City Council will be streamed on Facebook and the city website.

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