Kemp issues new COVID-19 executive order, will allow local governments to pass some mask rules
Gov. Brian Kemp issued a new executive order Saturday afternoon that extends shelter-in-place orders for high-risk Georgians among other measures.
Kemp’s newest executive order will also allow some local governments to enact mask mandates, reversing previous policy days after he dropped a lawsuit against Atlanta officials over the city’s coronavirus restrictions.
The order is set to take effect at midnight on Sunday and will expire at 11:59 p.m. on Aug. 31, according to a press release. The current executive order was set to expire Aug. 15 at 11:59 p.m.
Candice Broce, a Kemp spokesperson, said in an email Friday evening that the new order will allow local governments to require face coverings on their property if they meet “specific health-related metrics.”
“However, if they implement such a requirement, there are numerous exceptions and a limit on penalties,” Broce said. “Of most importance, this order will contain very strong protections for business owners and private property. Specifically for businesses, the owner will still be able to decide whether to have a face covering requirement or not. “
The new order will extend safety, sanitation, distancing and other related coronavirus guidelines currently in effect, Broce said.
To view the new executive order in full, click here.
This is a breaking story. It will be updated.
This story was originally published August 14, 2020 at 6:43 PM.