Governor Kemp Extends COVID-19 Executive Orders

JUNE 29, 2020 - Atlanta, GA 

Today Governor Brian P. Kemp signed two executive orders extending the Public Health State of Emergency and existing COVID-19 safety measures. 

"As we continue our fight against COVID-19 in Georgia, it is vital that Georgians continue to heed public health guidance by wearing a mask, washing their hands regularly, and practicing social distancing," said Governor Kemp. "We have made decisions throughout the pandemic to protect the lives - and livelihoods - of all Georgians by relying on data and the advice of public health officials."

"While we continue to see a decreasing case fatality rate, expanded testing, and adequate hospital surge capacity, in recent days, Georgia has seen an increase in new cases reported and current hospitalizations. Given these trends, I am extending previous COVID-19 safety requirements and guidelines that were due to expire on June 30 at 11:59 PM. Dr. Kathleen Toomey and the Department of Public Health, along with our local public health partners, will continue to monitor ongoing cases and related data to ensure that we are taking appropriate measures moving forward. Together, we can win the fight against COVID-19 and emerge stronger."

Executive Order 06.29.20.01 extends the Public Health State of Emergency through 11:59 PM on August 11, 2020. The Public Health State of Emergency allows for enhanced coordination across government and the private sector for supply procurement, comprehensive testing, and healthcare capacity.

Executive Order 06.29.20.02 continues to require social distancing, bans gatherings of more than fifty people unless there is six feet between each person, outlines mandatory criteria for businesses, and requires sheltering in place for those living in long-term care facilities and the medically fragile. The order also outlines that the State Board of Education must provide "rules, regulations, and guidance for the operation of public elementary and secondary schools for local boards of education" in accordance with guidance from Dr. Kathleen Toomey, the Department of Public Health, and the American Academy of Pediatrics. The order runs through 11:59 PM on July 15, 2020.

Read Executive Orders 06.29.20.01 and 06.29.20.02

NEW Executive Orders 

Click on the graphic on the left to download the files.

FUNERAL SERVICE PROFESSIONALS SHOULD NOTE:

Unless otherwise noted, the provisions contained in this Order shall be effective from July 1, 2020 at 12:00 A.M. until July 15, 2020 at 11:59 P.M.  

All residents and visitors of the State of Georgia shall:

• Practice Social Distancing as defined herein and refrain from Gathering as defined herein
• Are strongly encouraged to wear face coverings as practicable while outside their homes or place of residence, except when eating, drinking or exercising outdoors.
• Practice sanitation in accordance with the guidelines published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
• No business, establishment, corporation, non-profit corporation, organization, or county or municipal government shall allow Gatherings of persons. This provision shall not apply to cohabitating persons, family units, or roommates residing together in private homes, whether inside or outside of their homes or place of residence. This provision shall also not apply to entities defined as “Critical Infrastructure.”

II. Definitions

• “Gathering” shall mean more than fifty (50) persons physically present at a Single Location if, to be present, persons are required to stand or be seated within six (6) feet of any other person. Therefore, groups of more than fifty (50) people are permitted if their grouping is transitory or incidental, or if their grouping is the result of being spread across more than one Single Location. (Item 5).
• “Single Location” shall mean a space where all persons gathered cannot maintain at least six (6) feet of distance between themselves and any other person. (Item 13).
• “Social Distancing” shall mean keeping space between yourself and other people outside of your home or place of residence. Persons practicing Social Distancing should stay at least six (6) feet from other people, avoid assembling in groups, avoid crowded places, and avoid large crowds. This provision shall not apply to cohabitating persons, family units, or roommates residing together in private homes, whether inside or outside of their homes or place of residence. (Item 14).

The “shelter in place” order has expired for Georgians over the age of 65, unless they are “medically fragile, or fall into a category as described in III. Sheltering in Place.

Please note, mortuary services are a Critical Infrastructure by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). Mortuary service providers, such as: 

• Workers performing mortuary funeral, cremation, burial, cemetery, and related services, including funeral homes, crematoriums, cemetery workers, and coffin makers.
• Workers who coordinate with other organizations to ensure the proper recovery, handling, identification, transportation, tracking, storage, and disposal of human remains and personal effects; certify cause of death; and facilitate access to mental and behavioral health services to the family members, responders, and survivors of an incident.

These businesses must continue to operate with social distancing and sanitation rules to keep customers and employees safe.

Critical Infrastructure measures and guidance in this Executive Order may be found in Section V. Industry, Commerce, Organizations & Non-Profits, as well as all Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance.

Reporting of Issues of Non Compliance with Governor Kemp’s Executive Orders

COVID-19 Hotline: (844) 442-2681
The hotline can be used for asking about symptoms related to COVID-19, finding out if someone should get tested, reporting possible scams related to COVID-19, and alerting the state about non-compliant businesses. 

If you are reporting a possible violation of Governor Kemp’s Shelter in Place Order please contact: 

• Your local Sheriff’s Office
• Department of Natural Resources State Communications Center
• Department of Public Safety Troop Communications Center closest to you.

For all non-urgent requests, please continue to contact Constituent Services through their online form found HERE.