Kemp extends COVID-19 order again, including ban on local mask mandates in Georgia
Just hours before the state’s current COVID-19 rules were set to expire, Gov. Brian Kemp again extended the terms of his previous executive order, but he did not implement more stringent restrictions as cases and deaths continue to increase across Georgia.
The order continues to ban gatherings of 50 or more people unless they are six or more feet apart. Previous distancing, occupancy, safety, sanitation and related protocols that Georgia businesses and other entities were required to implement to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus are extended as well.
Residents and visitors to the state are strongly encouraged, but not required, to wear face coverings. Those who live in long-term care facilities or suffer from certain medical conditions must continue sheltering in place.
Local governments are still prevented from implementing more or less restrictive coronavirus measures, which includes local mask ordinances. Kemp is suing Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms and the city council over Atlanta’s mask mandate and the city’s reopening guidelines.
The framework of Kemp’s order remains similar to the document he signed June 11. There have been some revisions and additions over the past month and a half— the most notable of which was the language banning local mask mandates. Portions of the latest order include additions and new claims regarding Kemp’s executive power under Georgia’s public health emergency
Much of the newest order, unless otherwise stated, will expire Aug. 15 at 11:59 p.m. In a separate executive order, Kemp also extended the public health emergency through 11:59 PM on Sept. 10.
Kemp’s decision does not follow recommendations made in a White House coronavirus task force report earlier this week for Georgia leaders to implement more stringent restrictions. The report recommended Georgia mandate the use of masks “in all current and evolving hot spots — optimally through a state mandate.”
The task force also recommended that businesses where social distancing and mask use isn’t possible, such as bars and entertainment venues, be closed. Gatherings should be limited to 10 people. Gyms in many counties where the virus is spreading quickly should be closed. All business retailers and personal services should require masks and implement social distancing measures. Indoor dining should be limited to less than 25% occupancy with an increased focus on outdoor dining, the task force says.
U.S. Rep. James E. Clyburn, D-SC, who heads the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis, sent letters to Vice President Mike Pence, Coronavirus Response Coordinator Dr. Deborah Birx, and the governors of Georgia, Florida, Oklahoma, and Tennessee Wednesday urging them to implement “science-based public health measures” to prevent the virus from spreading. In his letter to Kemp, Clyburn said Georgia was not following at least six different recommendations from the White House task force.
Georgia reported a total of 186,352 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 3,752 deaths on Friday.
A copy of the order can be found below:
This story was originally published July 31, 2020 at 9:28 PM.