STATESBORO — Bulloch County residents who go out after 10 p.m. any time until April 27 could pay a fine up to $1,000 or spend up to 90 days imprisoned.

The Bulloch County Board of Commissioners adopted a temporary ordinance Tuesday establishing a nightly curfew that starts at 10 p.m. and ends at 6 a.m., with exemptions for people carrying out essential activities.

The people exempted from the curfew include employees of public safety, public works, hospitals, news media, grocery stores, construction and more while they perform their duties.

Violating any provisions in the ordinance can result in a fine up to $1,000 and/or imprisonment up to 90 days.

In addition to the curfew, the ordinance establishes the following:

Shelter-in-place order: Individuals in the following categories must isolate, quarantine or shelter-in-place in their homes or places of residence — people who live in a nursing home or long-term care facility, people with chronic lung disease, people undergoing cancer treatment and people with known or suspected COVID-19 or exposure likely to result in infection.

Public or private gatherings: In-person gatherings outside of a household or living unit of 10 people or less are allowed, so long as participants remain six feet apart from each other. However, gatherings of more than 10 people are prohibited. Funerals can be held outdoors with up to 25 people. 

Beer and wine takeout: Businesses licensed to sell alcohol are authorized to sell unopened bottles or cans of beer and wine for takeout orders without any additional licensing.

No more dine-in meals at restaurants: Restaurants can offer delivery, drive-through and takeout services, but cannot serve patrons dine-in meals.

Six feet apart: Patrons, employees and contractors of food establishments, like people at any other public or private gatherings, must keep six feet of distance between themselves.

Public parks and facilities restrictions: Parks and walking trails will remain open, but public restrooms and other indoor facilities will be closed. There will be no organized indoor and outdoor activities, special events or programs.

Public buildings restrictions: The county manager can restrict public access to county buildings or property.

Prohibition against overcharging for goods, material, services and housing.

For a full list of rules established in the ordinance, including exemptions, read the official document here.

Blakeley Bartee, The George-Anne Editor-in-Chief, gaeditor@georgiasouthern.edu