VALDOSTA, Ga. (WTXL) — Increasing Coronavirus cases in Georgia has Valdosta City leaders recommending the shut down of large crowds. The mayor explained that public health comes first.
While Mayor Scott James Matheson and local business owners agree that the city's restaurants and business need a lot of support right now, they also know that people need to support in safe ways.
Mayor Matheson met with emergency management services on Thursday to discuss their plans to make sure businesses are following protocols when it comes to have crowds. "We expect that everybody is going to be compliant. We expect everybody is going to choose that over profit and we will watch and see," explained the mayor.
One business affected by Covid-19 is GŪD Coffee Company. The owner explained they are taking business shutdowns seriously. "We are here to serve the City of Valdosta and we want to do that the best we can," said Isaac Musgrove. "We hate to see businesses have to close, so we are doing our best to adapt to the needs of our customers and the city."
The pain that local businesses are experiencing during this time is something the mayor wants people to understand, and for locals to get takeout and curbside pick-up when they are able too. "Support each other," said Mayor Matheson. "And for the pickup and takeout, down to my last dollar, I'm going to continue to support the restaurants and encourage you to do the exact same thing."
Musgrove added, "We care about this city and the well-being of our customers more than anything. But still, do your best to support these small businesses downtown and in the area."
GŪD Coffee is still open but has implemented new hours. They are open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
