Kemp announces shelter in place order

Published 7:01 pm Thursday, April 2, 2020

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Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp released the details of his shelter-in-place order Thursday evening.

The order goes into effect at 6 p.m. on Friday, April 3.

The order says no business, establishment, corporation, county or municipal government can allow more than 10 people in a single location if they can’t be further than six feet from each other.

Additionally, the order said there are exceptions to the shelter-in-place order when performing essential services like buying food, supplies for household consumption, medical supplies or treatment or engaging in outdoor exercise activities. Furthermore, performing necessary travel and necessary operations at a business or working in a critical infrastructure sector are exceptions, according to the order.

Kemp said his office would issue guidance on how specific businesses can continue to operate during the duration of this order.

The order also closes dine-in services across the state. LaGrange, West Point, Hogansville and Troup County have already taken that step.

“Take out, curbside and delivery are still options,” Kemp said. “I’d like to encourage Georgians to support all businesses in their local community.”

The order also closes all bars, nightclubs, gyms, fitness centers, bowling alleys, theatres, live performance venues, hair salons and many more businesses.

“It is difficult to use social distancing in these establishments,” Kemp said. “People often congregate there.”

He said the shelter-in-place order was based on the recommendation of public health officials, but he wants everyone in the state to remain calm during the order.

“You can still go to the grocery store, and we are working hard with retail stores to keep the supply chain moving and the shelves stocked,” Kemp said.

The order will also deputize state agencies, including the department of public health, the department of public safety or anybody deputized by the governor to ensure enforcement, he said.

“The order I am signing today will be the statewide standard,” Kemp said. “Local jurisdictions must follow this standard — no more, no less.”

Kemp said his office would also issue guidance as to where residents can submit complaints about violators of the order.

“As we take the fight to COVID-19, I’m asking Georgians to hunker down, follow the directives we give you and help us flatten the curve,” Kemp said.

View the full order below: