While it has been widely publicized that Georgia Governor Brian Kemp is allowing bars, nightclubs and summer camps to reopen amid the COVID-19 pandemic, there are parts of the governor’s action that you may not be aware of.
Here’s a look at some of the parts of Kemp’s new executive order that may have been buried among some of the news coverage. Some of these items have been part of previous executive orders, but are still in place today.
Face Masks: Masks have become a politically-charged issue, but Georgia’s republican governor wants you to wear them. The executive order currently in place says all residents are “strongly encouraged” to wear face coverings while outside the home.
Gatherings: You can have gatherings of up to 25 people, but those 25 people have to be six feet apart. Social distancing is still in place everywhere in Georgia. Even though businesses are open, you still have to be six feet away from everyone else.
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You may still have to shelter-in-place: You may not realize this, but the shelter-in-place order is still in effect for “vulnerable” populations. You may not consider yourself vulnerable, but there’s actually a good chance the state does. You still need to shelter-in-place at least until June 12 if you:
- Are a smoker
- Are severely obese
- Have had a bone marrow or organ transplant
- Are 65 or older
- Live in a nursing home
- Have chronic lung disease
- Are being treated for cancer
- Have immune deficiencies
- Have poorly controlled HIV or AIDS
- Take corticosteroids or other immune weakening medicine
- Have diabetes
- Have liver disease
- Have chronic kidney disease and are undergoing dialysis
Handshaking: Businesses swear by it, every job interview begins with it and President Donald Trump is disgusted by it, but handshaking is quickly becoming a thing of the past. Georgia’s executive order specifically mentions handshaking as something you should be avoiding.
Employer responsibilities: If you have to return to work, your employer has a list of obligations they have to meet to keep you safe. Your employer should be discouraging you from using other worker’s phones, desks, offices or other work tools and equipment. Your employer should also be staggering work stations and keeping six feet of separation between employees.
The circus can’t come to town yet: Traveling carnivals, water parks, circuses and temporary amusement rides cannot operate until June 12.
You can still buy a gun: As in all other versions of this order, the sale of firearms and ammunition cannot be prohibited or limited.
The police can close your business: Any law enforcement officer is authorized to mandate the closure of any business not complying with the guidelines after at last 2 citations and providing reasonable notice.
