Kemp’s order includes some shelter in place

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  • The News Observer
    The News Observer
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Georgia Governor Brian Kemp signed an executive order extending the state’s shelter-in-place for the “medically fragile” and extended the state’s public health state of emergency through June 12.

The statewide shelter-in-place for all citizens expired Thursday, April 30 at 11:59 p.m., however, Kemp encourages citizens to continue to stay at home whenever possible.

“The health and well-being of Georgians are my top priorities, and my decisions are based on data and advice from health officials,” Kemp said. “I will do what is necessary to protect the lives – and livelihoods – of our people. I will formally extend our public health state of emergency through June 12, 2020 to continue enhanced testing across Georgia, ramp up contact tracing, and maintain effective emergency response operations in every region.

Those who must continue to shelter in place through June 12 include:

•People who are 65 years of age or older;

•People living in a nursing home or long-term care facility;

•People with chronic lung disease;

•People with moderate to severe asthma;

•People with severe heart disease;

•People who are immunocompromised;

•People with Class III or severe obesity; and

•People with diabetes, liver disease, or chronic kidney disease undergoing dialysis.

“In addition, I will order long-term care facilities – including nursing homes, personal care homes, assisted living facilities, and similar community living homes – to utilize enhanced infection control protocols, ensure safer living conditions, and protect residents and staff from coronavirus exposure,” he said.

While businesses across the state are re-opening, Kemp explained that each business must operate with strict social distancing and sanitation rules through May 13 to keep their employees and customers safe.

“Those rules vary by business type for a measured, health-driven approach,” he said.