If you would like to visit our great city, Helen, GA over the next few weeks, please read the article below entitled "Reopening Helen" so you will know what to expect. Like you, we are eagar to get life back to normal, but we must both follow the directives of the Governor of Georgia and do what we believe is best for our families and community. Because of this, many businesses may decide to remain closed at this time. For those who are open, we hope you will respect the requirements of Governor Kemp, the businesses, and your fellow visitors. Thank you for loving our City as we do. We look forward to a time when we can all visit, eat, and play together again. Until then, stay safe.
Due to the COVID-19 Virus, the City of Helen would like to make you aware of several items.
The following 2020 Special Events will be held with restrictions as required by Governor Kemp’s Executive Order 05.12.20.02:
May 28-31 = US Rider News & Southeast Victory Rally
June 13 = Shriner’s Parade
The following 2020 Special Events have been cancelled and will NOT be held:
June 4-6 = Helen to the Atlantic Balloon Race
July 4 = Fireworks
The following businesses are scheduled to open on the following days: (Please keep in mind June opening dates are tentative as a new Executive Order may come out prior to that time.)
Helen’s City Hall lobby will remain closed at this time. Business can be conducted over the phone at 706-878-2733 or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Payments and correspondences can be made by mail to P.O. Box 280, Helen, GA 30545, put into the Utility Drop Box in front of City Hall or made by phone with a credit or debit card. Currently, all processing fees are being waved.
Governor Kemp issued Executive Order 05.28.20.01 on May 28, 2020 at 5:00 p.m. regarding COVID-19 and the reopening of our state. (Any information received prior to this time may have changed.) All business owners within the city limits of Helen, GA who have reopened their business (or dining area) must be in compliance with this Executive Order. Click here to download:Executive Order 05.12.20.02. Please note that any Executive Order signed by Governor Kemp at a later date will supersede these conditions.
*The statewide “Shelter in Place” expired April 30, 2020 with the exception for those residents and visitors of the State of Georgia who are high risk as defined on Page 5 of this order.
*The Public Health State of Emergency will remain in effect through June 12, 2020.
Effective April 24, 2020, the following businesses were allowed (but were not required) to open: Massage parlors, beauty/barber shops, nail salons, tattoo parlors, and tanning salons. When you choose to open your business, you must be adhering to the strict guidelines in the Executive Order, especially Pages 16-17.
Effective April 27, 2020, all restaurants were allowed (but not required) to open dining room areas. When you choose to open your dining area, you must be adhering to the strict guidelines in the Executive Order, especially Pages 7-10.
Effective May 1, 2020, all hotels/motels and short-term rentals were allowed (but not required) to recieve guests. When you choose to open your business, you must be adhering to the strict guidelines in the executive order referring to “all businesses”, especially Pages 11-14 where applicable.
Effective May 1, 2020, all other shops and businesses were allowed (but not required) to open. This includes but is not limited to the following: Retail shops, putt-putt courses, laser tag, horse & carriage rides, escape rooms, wedding chapels, ice cream shops, and any other businesses not mentioned in any other section. When you choose to open your business, you must be adhering to the strict guidelines in the Executive Order referring to “all businesses”, especially Pages 11-14.
Effective May 14, 2020, tubing companies were allowed (but not required) to open. When you choose to open your business, you must adhere to the strict guidelines in the Executive Order referring to "all businesses", especially Pages 11-14.
Effective June 13, 2020, coaster rides, go-carts, arcades and water parks may open. Since the current Executive Order expires June 12, 2020 at 11:59 p.m., there are no special guidelines to follow at this point. If specific requirements are passed by another order, they will be announced before that date.
Currently, churches may continue to remain open, but parishioners should maintain social distancing (Page 4) and wear face mask to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. It is strongly recommended to telecommunicate or hold drive-in services if possible.
City parks reopened on May 1, 2020 with the strict guidelines prohibiting “gatherings” as defined on Page 4.
The City pavilion reopened on May 14, 2020 with the strict guidelines prohibiting "gatherings" as defined on Page 4.
Masks are strongly recommended for all customers (and specifically required for some). Business owners can require customers to wear mask while in their business.
Again, this information is subject to change based on regulations set forth by President Trump or Governor Kemp. As the U.S.A. and Georgia proceeds into Phase II and III of Reopening America, more information will be addressed.
If you have any questions, please call Helen City Hall at 706-878-2733. Due to the magnitude of the information and its constant modifications, please exercise patience as it may require time to get a correct answer. Thank you.
*Although certain areas of Executive Order 05.12.20.02 have been highlighted to draw attention to those areas, all guidelines must be followed.
