Georgia Governor Brian Kemp is permitting certain businesses to resume operations under specified guidelines beginning April 24, 2020. Following is a summary of the Governor’s Order and Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms’ response.
Summary of Governor Kemp’s 04.20.20 Executive Order:
On April 20, 2020, Governor Brian Kemp issued an executive order permitting certain Georgia businesses to reopen as early as Friday, April 24, 2020. The order also permits healthcare practices, such as medical and dental, that were closed due to the spread of COVID-19, to resume operations and begin treating patients in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. Gyms, fitness centers, bowling alleys, body art studios, estheticians, hair designers, and licensed massage therapists may resume minimum basic operations on April 24thin accordance with the measures and guidelines outlined in the order. In addition to reopening businesses, the order also expands the state’s designation of entities and workers defined as “Critical Infrastructure” to all of those included in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Guidance on Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers released on April 17th. Furthermore, the Georgia Department of Public Health intends to execute an agreement with Augusta University Health Systems to provide more expansive screening and testing services for residents. The State Health Officer will choose the selection of screening and testing services and have the authority to enforce uniform testing requirements within the state.
Summary of Mayor Bottom’s 04.20.20 Administrative Order No. 2020-10:
In response to Governor Brian Kemp’s order reopening Georgia’s businesses beginning at the end of this week, City of Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms issued an administrative order requiring the formation of an advisory council to advise her on the measures required to lift the Mayor’s stay at home order and effectively reopen the city. Administrative Order No. 2020-10 calls on the city’s Chief Operating Officer Joshua Williams to convene an advisory council comprised of representatives from organizations and businesses within the city. Representatives from the entertainment, restaurant, retail, and small business industries, among others, will serve on the council and help develop a plan of action to reopen the economy. The council shall present its final recommendations to the Mayor no later than May 15, 2020. In the meantime, Mayor Bottoms urges “Atlanta to stay at home, stay safe and make decisions based on the best interests of their families.”
In our continued effort to keep our clients, colleagues, friends and families informed during the COVID-19 crisis, Fried & Bonder will continue to update this page with current and relevant information. We continue to aggressively pursue our clients’ rights during this time. Please do not hesitate to contact us to discuss your case or potential case.
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