Governor Brian Kemp on Wednesday extended Georgia’s public health state of emergency through May 13 to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Under state law, the Governor may renew the public health state of emergency, which was otherwise set to expire on April 13. Lt. Governor Geoff Duncan and House Speaker David Ralston agree it is necessary for the public health emergency to be renewed and will not be requesting a special legislative session, which was tentatively scheduled for April 15.
“To ensure the health and well-being of Georgians, I will extend the public health state of emergency through May 13, 2020. This measure will allow us to continue to deploy resources to communities in need, lend support to frontline medical providers, and keep preparing as we brace for potential patient surge in our healthcare facilities. We deeply appreciate the hard work of Georgians who are sheltering in place, using social distancing, and helping us flatten the curve. We are in this fight together,” the governor said.
The extension prolongs the governor’s authority to take “direct” control of civil staffers, restrict travel, limit public gatherings and institute a range of other measures to combat the disease.
Kemp thanked Lt. Governor Duncan and Speaker Ralston for “continuing to work with us to ensure resources are available to proactively respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.” He also urged Georgians to stay the course.
“In these unprecedented times, we ask Georgians for their continued patience and prayers, especially for first responders, law enforcement, and the healthcare workers caring for the medically fragile,” Kemp said. “They are going above and beyond to keep us all safe, and we will never be able to repay them for their sacrifices.”
Duncan, who as Lieutenant Governor also serves as Senate Pro Tempore, said the General Assembly “will continue to remain vigilant and available to assist our citizens in any way possible.”
“The entirety of our state government is working to protect the health and safety of our citizens,” said Speaker David Ralston. “While we have difficult days ahead, we continue to coordinate with both local and federal partners in responding to needs as they arise. As Georgians, we will persevere and emerge stronger on the other side.”
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