Governor Kemp Extends Public Health State of Emergency and Current COVID-19 Guidelines

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Two executive orders were signed by Governor Brian Kemp on Monday, June 29.

The first executive order signed, Executive Order 06.29.20.01, extended the Public Health State of Emergency from 11:59 p.m. on June 30, 2020 to 11:59 p.m. on August 11, 2020.

Executive Order 06.29.20.02, the second order signed, “continues to require social distancing, bans gatherings of more than fifty people unless there is six feet between each person, outlines mandatory criteria for businesses, and requires sheltering in place for those living in long-term care facilities and the medically fragile,” according to a press release from the Governor’s office. Additionally, the order requires that the State Board of Education must provide “rules, regulations, and guidance for the operation of public elementary and secondary schools for local boards of education” in accordance with guidance from Dr. Kathleen Toomey, the Department of Public Health, and the American Academy of Pediatrics. This order extending current COVID-19 guidelines expires at 11:59 p.m. on July 15, 2020.

“As we continue our fight against COVID-19 in Georgia, it is vital that Georgians continue to heed public health guidance by wearing a mask, washing their hands regularly, and practicing social distancing,” said Governor Kemp. “We have made decisions throughout the pandemic to protect the lives – and livelihoods – of all Georgians by relying on data and the advice of public health officials.”

“While we continue to see a decreasing case fatality rate, expanded testing, and adequate hospital surge capacity, in recent days, Georgia has seen an increase in new cases reported and current hospitalizations. Given these trends, I am extending previous COVID-19 safety requirements and guidelines that were due to expire on June 30 at 11:59 PM. Dr. Kathleen Toomey and the Department of Public Health, along with our local public health partners, will continue to monitor ongoing cases and related data to ensure that we are taking appropriate measures moving forward. Together, we can win the fight against COVID-19 and emerge stronger.”