GOV KEMP ISSUES NEW EXECUTIVE ORDER SAT.

Governor Brian Kemp issued a new Executive Order on Saturday August 15th. It will be effective through August 31st . For the first time, the Governor’s Order allows local governments to impose mask requirements when social distancing cannot be maintained, but the Order sets some strict limits for these mandates.

The local governments must be located in counties meeting the Threshold Requirement of 100 cases per 100,000 people over the past 2 weeks. Currently, according to the Georgia Department of Public Health, all counties except 2 meet or exceed this Threshold.

The mandate cannot be applied to individuals who (1) have difficulty putting on or removing a face mask without assistance, or (2) have a bona fide religious objection, or (3) have a bona fide medical reason, or (4) are engaged in eating or drinking.

The mask mandate may be applied and enforced on public property, but it cannot be enforced on residential property and it cannot be enforced at any Polling Place. It can only be enforced in places of business if the owner consents to enforcement and has proper signage posted to that effect. Enforcement may only be taken against individuals. Business owners cannot be held liable for the failure of their customers to wear face coverings.

Fines for not complying with a local mask mandate cannot exceed $50.

The Governor’s Order extends the Shelter-in-Place requirements for people who are at higher risk of severe illness and for residents of long-term care facilities. It continues the ban on large gatherings of more than 50 persons, and continues the same protocols for specific business entities as outlined in previous Orders. Mask-wearing previously mandated by the Governor will continue for workers in restaurants and bars, hair designers, massage therapists, body artists, workers in tanning facilities, and operators of amusement rides. School boards may require face coverings for students and staff during school hours at their discretion.

The full Order is available on the Governor’s website: CLICK HERE