Governor Brian Kemp today issued a new executive order on business operations as hospitalizations, ventilator use, and COVID-19 spread in the state continue to drop.
Kemp eased restrictions on restaurants and child care facilities, allowing more people in both. He also paved the way for day camps to open.
Starting May 14 summer day camps will be allowed to open if they can meet 32 minimum mandatory criteria developed by the Georgia Department of Public Health. For the time being, overnight summer camps will not be allowed to operate.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also is developing guidance on summer camps. Kemp says when that guidance is issued, it will supersede what his administration has put in place.
The governor’s new executive order also allows for enhanced flexibility for gyms and fitness centers but still requires they abide by strict sanitation rules.
State agencies will begin phasing in employees for in-person operations starting on May 18.
Some businesses to remain closed
Although he eased restrictions in some areas, Kemp kept other restrictions firmly in place. Live performance venues, bars, and nightclubs must remain closed through May 31. Kemp also left in place his ban on gatherings of more than 10 people unless those present can maintain six-feet of social distancing.
The shelter in place order for Georgians aged 65 and above also remains in effect through June 12.
“We continue to encourage people to wear face coverings when out in public,” the governor said during his live briefing from the State Capitol on Tuesday.
Antiviral drug and testing
“As of noon today, Georgia has received its first shipment of remdeisivir,” Kemp announced. The anti-viral drug has shown promising signs of lessening the effects of COVID-19. Georgia received 1200 doses and the governor says his office will work with state health officials to determine how they will be distributed.
Nursing home staff and residents account for 18.5% of the state’s positive COVID-19 cases and nearly half – 49% – of the state’s total number of deaths involve nursing home residents, and those in assisted living and long-term care facilities. Kemp urged Georgians to continue to protect those who are most vulnerable to the virus – those with pre-existing conditions and the elderly – and he urged all Georgians to get tested “regardless of whether you have symptoms.”
There are 105 test sites now set up across the Georgia. COVID-19 testing is free. Appointments may be made through the state’s intake center by calling 706-721-1852.
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