Kemp Extends GA Virus Restrictions; Allows Limited Mask Mandates

ATLANTA, GA — Gov. Brian Kemp on Saturday issued an executive order extending statewide restrictions intended to curb the spread of the new coronavirus. The order will also allow local governments to issue mask mandates on public property, though it stopped short of allowing a similar restriction on private property.

An aide for the governor said the executive order “allows local governments to require face coverings on their own property if they meet specific health-related metrics.” The measure will also limit penalties and offer numerous exceptions, according to FOX 5, and protects a business's right to choose its own face-covering requirements and who can enforce it.

In a statement, Kemp said the order "protects Georgia businesses from government overreach by restricting the application and enforcement of local masking requirements to public property.

"While I support local control, it must be properly balanced with property rights and personal freedoms," he said.

Saturday's order also renews a statewide ban on large gatherings, sheltering-in-place orders for the medically fragile, and health and safety protocols put in place for Georgia businesses.

The restrictions are now in effect through Aug. 31.

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Earlier this week, Kemp announced he would ask the attorney general to withdraw a lawsuit he filed against Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms and the city council. Last month, Kemp sued the city of Atlanta to ban Bottoms' mask mandate after she publicly said her order was "enforceable."

In response, Kemp said that rolling the city back to Phase 1 reopening would mean that some businesses would need to close again.

Kemp said Thursday that during negotiations, the mayor agreed to back down on the Phase 1 rollback, but would not roll back her mask mandate.

Because of the stalemate with Bottoms, Kemp said he planned to address the mask mandate issue when previous orders expired on Aug. 15.

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