Governor Brian Kemp signed an executive order Thursday, lifting the shelter-in-place order for most older Georgians. The new rule also permits larger gatherings and paves the way for entertainment venues in the state to reopen.
Effective immediately, Georgia residents and visitors who are 65 years of age or older are no longer required to shelter in place unless they live in a long-term care facility, are immunocompromised, or have certain health conditions that make them more susceptible to contracting COVID-19. Such conditions include chronic lung disease, asthma, severe heart disease, diabetes, liver disease, severe obesity, and those with chronic kidney disease undergoing dialysis.
Kemp’s order further eases restrictions on a variety of businesses beginning next Tuesday, June 16.
Starting on Tuesday, gatherings of up to 50 people will be allowed without social-distancing requirements. For groups larger than that, the order requires participants to socially distance at least six-feet apart.
Also beginning Tuesday, the state will no longer limit the number of people who can sit together in restaurants. Salad bars and buffets will be allowed to reopen with precautions.
The order permits bars to allow up to 50 patrons inside or 35% of the maximum fire capacity, whichever is greater.
Effective June 16, the order removes the limit on how many people may sit together in a party at indoor movie theaters and cinemas. And walk-ins will be allowed at body art studios, barbershops, hair salons, their respective schools, massage therapy establishments, and tanning facilities subject to specific requirements.
Camps, concert halls, and conventions
Kemp eased the testing requirements for campers and workers at overnight camps in the state. They may now attend if they received a negative COVID-19 test within twelve days – up from seven days – prior to starting camp.
Mandatory requirements for operating non-critical infrastructure businesses, for-profit corporations, non-profit corporations, and organizations are extended through the end of June. Specific requirements for previously closed businesses remain in effect.
On July 1, live entertainment venues, such as concert halls, will be allowed to reopen if they follow a series of regulations. Conventions, too, will be allowed to resume on that date if organizers obtain a special license and follow safety guidelines.
Too much too soon?
Democrats and some public health experts have sharply criticized Kemp’s approach, fearing that the relaxed restrictions could trigger a new wave of the virus, the AJC reports.
Among them is state Rep. Jasmine Clark, an Emory University microbiologist, who called it an “odd decision” given a recent increase in cases of the virus. “I think the governor has given up fighting COVID-19,” she said. “That said, I implore everyone to please continue to be safe and recognize that this virus is still among us. Wear masks, social distance, wash hands, and stay home as much as possible.”
The rate of new coronavirus cases in Georgia has appeared to plateau in recent weeks, according to state data. However, on Thursday, officials reported the highest increase in new diagnoses of the disease since May 1.
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