THOMASVILLE — A Thomasville-based state lawmaker said that when people do not follow gubernatorial orders to prevent spread of the coronavirus, they are making potential victims of their fellow man.

“We continue to have family and friends at funerals breaking the rules,” said District 173 state Rep. Darlene Taylor. “The result of not following these rules is making the spread of COVID-19 grow.”

The limit is no more than 10 people in a gathering, the Thomasville Republican said.

The governor’s order states law enforcement is tasked with seeing the rules are followed.

“Effective this week, law enforcement will be in attendance at these events when necessary. Only 10 people will be allowed on-site at the service — the preacher, the funeral director and eight attendees,” Taylor said.

Social distancing of a minimum of six feet between those attending will be enforced.

Thomas County Commission Chairman Phillip Brown called for spiritual and other community leaders to help discourage large gatherings during the upcoming weekend.

The governor’s order applies to organizations, church gatherings and social events, Brown said.

Capt. Steven Jones, Thomas County Sheriff’s office public information officer, said that if people do not comply with the governor’s order, the sheriff’s office will respond.

“We’re going to be forced to intervene with the Georgia State Patrol,” Jones said.

The State Patrol and the sheriff’s office will coordinate where funerals are, Taylor added.

The lawmaker pointed out that Archbold officials reported virus deaths across their facilities increased from four to 16 in a week.

“It is growing exponentially in South Georgia,” said Taylor,  who represents all of Grady County and parts of Thomas and Decatur counties.