Gov. Brian Kemp on Monday ordered the closure of all bars and nightclubs, banned gatherings of 10 or more people and told residents he described as “medically fragile” to shelter in place for two weeks in a series of steps he’s taking to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
Kemp also announced that the state’s income tax filing deadline would be moved from April 15 to July 15.
Kemp’s executive order gave the Department of Public Health the authority to shut down any businesses or nonprofits, including churches, that don’t comply with the rules. The new rules go into effect at noon Tuesday and remain in effect until April 6.
In a Monday afternoon briefing, the governor told residents of long-term care facilities, people with chronic lung disease, people being treated for cancer, people suspected of being exposed to or having COVID-19 to shelter in place for two weeks. He said further guidance will be coming for how these people can receive essential services, travel or have visitation in end-of-life situations.
“This fight is far from over, but we are in this fight together,” Kemp said. “Look out for your fellow Georgians and pray for their continued safety, as well as the safety of our first responders, healthcare workers, the elderly and the medically fragile.”
Grocery stores and other businesses that can enforce social distancing of at least six feet between customers can continue to operate, the governor said.
Kemp also announced that 23 test sites for specific populations had been established. Those locations include Gainesville, Marietta, Atlanta, Lawrenceville and Athens. To be tested at one of these locations, residents must have a referral from a medical provider. Tests are limited to elderly Georgians, members of the law enforcement community, first responders, long-term care facility residents and staff, and healthcare workers.
He urged residents to report any business not following the closure rules.
“We are all part of the solution,” Kemp said. “If your friends, neighbors or local organizations are not complying, call them out. Or report them to us … If any establishment isn’t following these directives, I’d ask you to take your business somewhere else.”
As of noon today, 772 Georgians have been diagnosed with COVID-19, and 25 deaths have been reported. The next update from the Department of Public Health is expected at 7 p.m.
Almost 40 states have placed restrictions on restaurants and other types of businesses, according to the National Governor’s Association website. Across Georgia, a number of cities and counties have placed restrictions on gatherings and have asked certain businesses to close. On Monday, the city of Gainesville ordered the closure of businesses that attract crowds of people, such as gyms, fitness centers, bowling alleys, theaters and arcades. Gainesville ordered that all restaurants close to in-house dining and provide take out only.
He also announced that Georgia would follow the lead of the federal government and pushed the deadline for filing state income taxes from April 15 to July 15. He said more information about how this change would be implemented would be announced at a later date.
