Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp issued three executive orders protecting the economic recovery, continuing regulatory suspensions and renewing his June 30 state of emergency decree.
Kemp said, “Throughout the pandemic, I’ve been clear and consistent. We will protect both lives and livelihoods. We’re going to make sure hardworking Georgians can put food on the table for their families. I believe we continue to succeed in that mission.”
MORE: Kemp Talks COVID-19 in Cherokee County
Kemp said Georgia’s unemployment rate has dropped for 15 consecutive months and is the lowest among the country’s most populous states.
He said any in-person operations are required to implement measures to mitigate the exposure and spread of COVID-19. The order does not specify any measures, just saying “any measures that have proven effective to control the spread of COVID-19.”
Kemp also made clear no local government can enact mandates such as mask-wearing or getting vaccinated. Nor will he allow a return to shutdowns and stay-at-home orders.
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“Local governments will not be able to force businesses to be the city’s mask police, the vaccine police or any other burdensome restriction that will only lead to employees let go, revenue tanking and businesses closing their doors,” said Kemp. “If businesses choose to follow COVID-19 restrictions at the local level, they are certainly free to do so.”
He said there are three effective vaccines to protect citizens from COVID-19. He again urged unvaccinated Georgians to talk with someone they trust about the safety of the vaccines and consider getting vaccinated.
MORE: Georgia Tops More Than 1 Million COVID-19 Cases
Early this week, Georgia became one of at least 10 other states to report more than one million COVID-19 cases since the start of the pandemic.
The governor’s orders can be read here.
Dana Lynn McIntyre is a Staff Reporter with The Augusta Press. You can reach her at dana@theaugustapress.com.
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