The White County Commission took another bold step in its fight against COVID-19. The county on Thursday shut down lodging areas for tourists and and is ordering those currently visiting the county to leave by noon Saturday.
The county commission expanded its existing emergency order to include the new restrictions during a called meeting Thursday. As of noon Friday, April 3, all hotels/motels, inns, short-term vacation rental cabins, campgrounds, recreational vehicle parks and resorts located in White County will be closed to new reservations and business.
Any non-White County residents who are currently staying at any of these facilities have until noon, Saturday, April 4 to vacate the county.
The closings will be in effect until April 13 and will auto-extend with additional shelter in place orders by the governor.
“Unfortunately we have to take these measures to protect our citizens from visitors potentially spreading the Corona Virus in our county,” says White County Commission Chair Travis Turner. “Most of our attractions, such as Babyland General, the winery tasting rooms and the US Forest Service Trails are closed and we are asking non-residents to not visit White County for the next couple of weeks to try to prevent any further spread of the virus.”
The county’s action follows similar action taken earlier this week by the City of Helen. The county’s resolution coincides with Gov. Brian Kemp’s new shelter in place order that goes into effect April 3.
White County declaration on short term rentals
