GA Shelter-In-Place, State Of Emergency Orders Updated By Kemp

Kathleen Sturgeon
Updated ·4 min read

GEORGIA — Gov. Brian Kemp released a video Thursday giving an update on the state's emergency orders, hours before Georgia's statewide shelter-in-place order was set to expire at midnight. He will allow the shelter order to expire, another easing of restrictions in a week that has seen restaurants resuming dine-in service and houses of worship prepare for in-person gatherings.

"However, moving forward, I am urging Georgians to continue to stay home whenever possible," Kemp said. "I want to thank the people of our great state who heeded public health advice, afforded us time to bolster our health care infrastructure, and flattened the curve. We were successful in these efforts, but the fight is far from over."

In accordance with his executive orders, Georgia businesses must continue to operate with strict social distancing and sanitation rules to keep customers and employees safe through May 13, the governor said.

"The health and well-being of Georgians are my top priorities, and my decisions are based on data and advice from health officials," Kemp said. "I will do what is necessary to protect the lives — and livelihoods — of our people."

He also extended the state's public health state of emergency through June 12 to continue enhanced testing across Georgia, ramp up contact tracing and maintain effective emergency response operations in every region.

"To protect vulnerable populations, I will sign an order today requiring medically fragile and elderly Georgians to continue to shelter in place through June 12," Kemp said. "In addition, I will order long-term care facilities — including nursing homes, personal care homes, assisted living facilities and similar community living homes — to utilize enhanced infection control protocols, ensure safer living conditions and protect residents and staff from coronavirus exposure. Together, we will defeat this virus and emerge stronger."

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As of noon Thursday, the growing toll of the coronavirus outbreak in Georgia included 64 more deaths, the Georgia Department of Public Health said in its daily report. The updated numbers reflect an increase of 874 cases from noon Wednesday, bringing the total to 26,033 coronavirus cases statewide and a total of 1,107 deaths. Of the total coronavirus cases, 5,110 are hospitalized.

Kemp first ordered a shelter in place for April 3 through April 13, then extended it through the end of the month.

On March 14, Kemp first declared a public health state of emergency to deploy additional resources and give the department of public health authority to direct specific health care action against the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

Restaurant owners were given the green light by Kemp to reopen dining rooms Monday.

The governor spelled out a timeline for many types of businesses — from hair salons to restaurants and movie theaters — as well as churches to reopen to gatherings.

Theaters, private social clubs and dine-in services at restaurants were allowed to reopen Monday if they follow social distancing and sanitation guidelines.

The businesses that are reopening face restrictions, including social distancing and regular sanitation. Businesses that allow more than 10 people at a single location must require at least a 6-foot distance between people.

The announcement did not come without opposition from elected officials, including President Donald Trump, who said that he did not agree with the reopening.

Kemp tweeted that he had discussed Georgia's plan to reopen businesses for limited operations with Trump earlier, and he sidestepped the president's criticism.

"I appreciate his bold leadership and insight during these difficult times and the framework provided by the White House to safely move states forward," Kemp tweeted.

"Our next measured step is driven by data and guided by state public health officials," the governor wrote. "We will continue with this approach to protect the lives — and livelihoods — of all Georgians. Just like the thousands of businesses currently operating throughout Georgia, I am confident that business owners who decide to reopen will adhere to Minimum Basic Operations, which prioritize the health and well-being of employees and customers."

These guidelines do not apply to dine-in services in hospitals, health care facilities, nursing homes, or other long-term care facilities.

No more than 10 patrons should be allowed in the facility per 500 square feet of public space. In calculating the total number of public space square feet, calculations should include waiting and bar areas, if any, but don't include hallways, restrooms, and spaces closed to patrons.

Beginning April 24, certain other businesses were allowed to reopen statement if following social distancing guidelines: gyms, fitness centers, bowling alleys, body art studios, barbers, cosmologists, hair designers, nail care artists, estheticians and their schools, and massage therapists.

More specific guidelines for salon/shop owners and managers were released, including the use of the OSHA "Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19" as a guide for reopening.

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This article originally appeared on the Canton-Sixes Patch