GA Coronavirus: Canton, Woodstock Ban Dining In At Restaurants

CANTON, GA — Officials in Canton and Woodstock Tuesday issued a joint order effectively barring customers from dining in at area restaurants in both towns.

Officials from the towns announced the measure in a press release Tuesday. According to the release, the ban begins at 12:01 a.m. on Wednesday, March 25 and ends at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, April 12. During the ban, restaurants are encouraged to pivot to takeout, curbside to-go and delivery models.

Residents may be glad to know the ban does not put a stop to alcohol consumption. Instead, any business currently legally selling alcohol is still permitted to sell unopened beer and wine through takeout, curbside and delivery methods.

The ban on dining does not affect personal care facilities, group homes, assisted living facilities or healthcare cafeterias, officials clarified.

The release states the measure is intended to curb the spread of the new coronavirus to patrons and employees.

"These are unprecedented times, and we need to be mindful of the health of our restaurant employees and patrons," Canton Mayor Bill Grant said in a statement. "We encourage citizens to support our wonderful restaurants through their alternative options for takeout and delivery, and we urge our citizens to continue to take measures to flatten the curve on this pandemic."