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Some restrictions end, others don’t
BenchPond3
Irene B. Thomas Park includes a playground, lighted pavilion, walking trail, fishing pond and boat ramp. - photo by Photo by Alena Parker.

Hinesville opened Bryant Commons and Irene Thomas Park for some activities and  previously closed “nonessential” businesses in Liberty and Long County have been allowed to reopen as state restrictions have been eased somewhat. 

But it’s still a far cry from normal for many, as Gov. Brian Kemp extended both his shelter-in-place order for the elderly and “medically fragile” and public health emergency declaration until June 12. 

Kemp allowed the statewide shelter in place for most Georgians to expire May 1, but required businesses such as hair salons and restaurants that reopen to use strict social distancing and sanitation rules through May 13. 

He’s also encouraging Georgians to wear masks and avoid gathering in crowds. 

Despite opening some parks, Hinesville is keeping public playgrounds and dog parks closed for now. Liberty County has opened its trails at James Brown Park, but its playgrounds and gyms remain closed. 


Tuesday’s COVID-19 update:

Cases by county: 

• Liberty: 37 cases

• Long: 5 cases

• McIntosh: 6 cases

• Bryan: 55 cases, 3 deaths

• Camden: 33 cases, 1

• Chatham: 246 cases, 10 deaths

• Effingham: 36 cases, 1 death

• Glynn: 58 cases, 1 deat h


More COVID-19 associated web content at covid19.gachd.org/. 


Case information for all counties in Georgia is available on the state Department of Public Health website at https://dph.georgia.gov/covid-19-daily-status-report. 

VIDEO: City reopens parks

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Community gets a rare snow day
Snow Day 1

City of Hinesville and Liberty County offices are closed today, and the Liberty County School System is undergoing a day of virtual learning after a winter storm hit southeast Georgia.

Coastal Georgia was inundated with one of the biggest snowfalls in recorded history as forecasters called for 4-6 inches of snow to fall Tuesday night and Wednesday morning. Initial reports Wednesday morning indicate at least 2 inches fell on Hinesville.

Sean Hafer and his family took advantage of the quiet roads and still Wednesday morning to enjoy the snow at Bradwell Park. He’s lived in Hinesville for almost 12 years and recalled the snow storm of 2018. But that snow was “not this deep,” he said. “It’s been a while.

“I don’t think many people went to work today,” Hafer said. “You think people would be out in it having fun, but I guess they’re scared to drive in it. It’s fun when you don’t get it around here.”

Hafer said he was curious to see how much snow was going to fall.

“They did well on this,” he said of the meteorologists. “They were accurate. They earned their pay on this one.”

The City of Hinesville declared a state of emergency Tuesday in advance of the storm and residents are encouraged to avoid unnecessary travel due to potential severe weather conditions. Melting snow and ice can refreeze overnight, making roads dangerous.

Liberty County offices will remain closed until Friday. Liberty County School System students are having virtual learning Thursday.

Near-record lows tonight could lead to hazardous road conditions through tonight and Thursday morning, especially on secondary roads due to refreezing of melted snow and sleet and black ice with freezing of water puddle.

While daytime highs will be more temperate, overnight lows for the next few days are expected to remain well below freezing. The City of Hinesville encourages residents to drip their faucets overnight, insulate exposed pipes and to let warm air circulate around pipes by opening cabinet doors under sinks, especially those near exterior walls.

Some travel issues could persist Thursday night, with the potential for any remaining snow or slush to refreeze, especially on secondary roads.

The city also is reporting no power outages and all traffic lights are operational. Since most businesses are closed, traffic is minimal and residents are urged not to travel unless necessary.

 

 

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