Governor Brian Kemp has extended his statewide shelter in place order through April 30.
He made the announcement during a press briefing at the State Capitol. The governor also announced more stringent restrictions for the state’s nursing homes and has temporarily suspended short-term rentals in the state. Also, he’s activating 1,000 more National Guard Troops to help with the state’s COVID-19 response.
Gov. Kemp stopped short of giving many community leaders what they’ve been requesting for weeks – he did not close state parks. He defended his decision saying that state officials are closely monitoring the parks and beaches to ensure people are “behaving.” He added, “but when you start closing gyms and fitness centers you push people somewhere else.”
Elected officials from areas with state parks, including 12 North Georgia county commissioners, have urged the governor to shut down the parks to prevent cross-community infection and the drain on local resources. On the same day Kemp refused to do that, the US Forest Service complied with public officials’ requests and closed more recreation sites in the Chattahoochee and Oconee National Forests.
Earlier today, Gov. Kemp extended the public health state of emergency for Georgia through May 13. It was set to expire on April 13.
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 coronavirus disease. It also keeps lawmakers from having to convene a special session of the General Assembly which was set to take place on April 15.
READ Gov. Kemp’s full remarks here
