Georgia’s existing COVID-19 restrictions will remain in place at least through the end of this month.
On Friday, Gov. Brian Kemp signed an executive order renewing restrictions through November 30. The current restrictions were set to expire on Sunday.
“As COVID-19 case numbers and hospitalizations rise across the country, Dr. Toomey and I are asking Georgians to remain vigilant in our fight against COVID-19,” Kemp said while issuing his order.
According to Kemp, the state has deployed over 300,000 rapid tests to communities across Georgia, stockpiled a 60-day supply of PPE, and worked with hospitals and nursing homes to provide the medical staff needed to treat COVID-19 patients. “While we are prepared for any scenario, it is vital that Georgians do not grow complacent,” he says.
The order extending current restrictions takes effect at 12 a.m. on November 16.
Kemp urges Georgians to continue to “wash your hands, wear a mask, watch your distance, follow public health guidance, and get a flu shot.”
To read the governor’s COVID-19 restriction order, click here.
State of Emergency extended
It appears the governor is also eyeing potential problems resulting from the hotly contested presidential race. On Thursday, Kemp signed an executive order extending the state’s State of Emergency through 11:59 p.m. on December 14. That’s the day the Electoral College will gather to vote on the next president.
Kemp first imposed the emergency order back in July after violence erupted following days of protests over George Floyd’s murder.
The state of emergency empowers National Guard Troops to be called up and to exercise powers similar to those of law enforcement. The order takes effect on November 16 and will continue to run simultaneously to the state’s Public Health State of Emergency, which remains in effect through December 9.
To read the governor’s State of Emergency order, click here.
