Gov. Brian Kemp issued a new executive order for remaining COVID-19 guidelines in Georgia on Friday.
The new order covers long-term care facilities, schools and local governments.
Saying it is time for Georgians to return to normal, Gov. Kemp cited the increased number of Georgians vaccinated and continuing decline in new cases, hospitalizations and deaths.
“With safe and effective vaccines widely available and the public well-aware of all COVID-19 mitigation measures, mandates from state and local governments are no longer needed,” he said.
The order, in effect May 31 through June 15, eliminates rules for facilities including restaurants, bars, childcare facilities and live performance venues.
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The new executive order also prohibits schools and school districts from using a public health state of emergency to require students and staff to wear masks on campus.
Also on Friday, a news release from the University of South Carolina Aiken announced masks will be optional on campus beginning June 1.
The release said this is “in recognition of new CDC guidelines, ‘herd immunity’ levels on campus, the low infection rates in our region, to align with local ordinances and other institutions in our region and state. Summer campers and rentals will be mask optional as well.”
The university will continue to provide sanitation products in classrooms so desks can be wiped down before and after each use.
Dana Lynn McIntyre is a Staff Reporter with The Augusta Press. You can reach her at dana@theaugustapress.com.
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