Gov. Kemp eases more coronavirus restrictions across Georgia in new executive order
Gov. Brian Kemp signed an executive order Thursday easing more of the state’s coronavirus restrictions.
Some of these new measures include increasing the number of people allowed at gatherings, allowing conventions to occur if organizers meet certain guidelines and ending a shelter in place order for a large portion of the state’s elderly residents.
Kemp announced the new changes in a press release. Unless stated in a specific section, the order takes effect midnight June 16 and expires 11:59 PM on June 30, 2020.
Here are some of the changes:
Conventions are allowed
Effective July 1, organizers will be allowed to host conventions in Georgia if they meet a set of 21 specific safety, sanitation and distancing guidelines established by the state.
Conventions are defined by the state as a gathering of more than 100 people in a single indoor facility for an event lasting more than four hours, or in some cases, more than a day. Those attending must obtain a license or register for the event being held. Examples include business retreats, exhibitions and trade shows. Religious services, sports competitions and business meetings are not included.
Shelter-in-place order ends for more Georgians
Kemp ended the shelter-in-place order for a portion of Georgia’s elderly residents on Thursday. However, these groups must still adhere to the order:
- People who live in a nursing home or long term care facility.
- People with underlying health conditions, such as diabetes, liver disease, heart disease, asthma, severe obesity and those with chronic kidney disease undergoing dialysis.
- People who are immunocompromised.
More people allowed to attend gatherings
Kemp increased the size of gatherings allowed at a single location to 50 people, up from 25. Gatherings can be larger if social distancing measures are practiced. This rule does not apply to critical infrastructure entities.
More customers allowed at bars, restaurants
There will no longer be party size limits for restaurants and dining areas across the state. There is also no longer a limit on the number of patrons allowed per square foot.
Workers only have to wear masks when interacting with customers.
Bars can have 50 people or 35% capacity, whichever is greater.
Salad bars and buffets can serve diners, or the diners can serve themselves if the restaurant provides hand sanitizer, installs a sneeze guard, enforces social distancing and regularly replaces its utensils.
Live performance venues will be allowed to reopen July 1 if the facilities meet certain state guidelines.
Sports must follow guidance from leagues
Professional sports teams in Georgia must follow the rules and guidance from their leagues.
College and high school teams must follow the rules set by their conferences or associations.
Amateur sports teams must follow the sanitation and safety guidelines for non-critical infrastructure entities previously established by the state.
Walk-ins are allowed
Walk-ins are allowed at tattoo parlors, barbershops, hair salons, tanning facilities and massage therapy businesses if certain state requirements are met. Distancing, safety and sanitation requirements for non-critical infrastructure businesses and entities remain in effect.
A copy of the order can be found below:
This story was originally published June 11, 2020 at 6:28 PM.