GA's Coronavirus Restrictions Extended As School Starts For Some

GEORGIA — As some school districts return to in-person learning this week, Gov. Brian Kemp has again extended restrictions regarding large gatherings, social distancing and sheltering in place.

"The fight against COVID-19 continues, and these executive orders reaffirm our commitment to protect the lives and livelihoods of all Georgians," Kemp said. "As our state ramps up testing, expands hospital surge capacity, and provides staffing, supplies, and resources to cities and counties throughout Georgia, we urge local officials to enforce the rules and restrictions detailed in these orders. When businesses, restaurants, venues, and citizens follow the guidelines carefully crafted by data, science, and the Georgia Department of Public Health, we will take our next measured step forward."

Kemp signed two executive orders extending the public health state of emergency and existing COVID-19 safety measures.

The public health state of emergency is now extended through 11:59 p.m. Sept. 10, allowing for enhanced coordination across government and the private sector for supply procurement, comprehensive testing and health care capacity.

The renewed coronavirus restrictions continue to require social distancing, ban gatherings of more than 50 people unless there is at least 6 feet between persons, outline mandatory criteria for businesses, and require sheltering in place for those living in long-term care facilities and the medically fragile, among other provisions. The order runs through 11:59 p.m. Aug. 15.

"While government plays an important role in fighting this pandemic, the people of our great state will ultimately be the ones who defeat this virus," Kemp said. "We continue to encourage fellow Georgians to wear a mask, practice social distancing, wash their hands regularly, and follow public health guidance. Together, we will flatten the curve and stop the spread of COVID-19 in Georgia."

Face masks are not required in Georgia but are strongly encouraged except when eating, drinking, or exercising outdoors, according to the executive order.

The executive order also continues to prohibit local jurisdictions from setting mandates that are stricter than the state regulations — as many cities, including Atlanta, continue to do.

The Georgia Department of Public Health reported a total of 193,177 confirmed cases of COVID-19 at 2:50 p.m. Sunday. According to the health department's website, that includes 3,172 newly confirmed cases over the last 24 hours.

Georgia also reported 3,840 deaths so far from COVID-19, with 15 more deaths recorded in the last 24 hours. In addition, the state reported 19,064 hospitalizations — 69 more than the day before — and 3,475 admissions so far to intensive care units.

No information is available from Georgia about how many patients have recovered.

As of Sunday, Georgia has administered more than 1.85 million coronavirus tests, with about 12 percent of those tests the less-reliable ones used to detect antibodies.

All Georgia statistics are available on the state's COVID-19 website.

Globally, more than 18.1 million people have been infected by COVID-19, and nearly 700,000 people have died, Johns Hopkins University reported Sunday.

In the United States, more than 4.6 million people have been infected and almost 155,000 people have died from COVID-19 as of midday Monday. The U.S. has only about 4 percent of the world's population but more confirmed cases and deaths than any other country.

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