Georgia businesses may see their financial situations improve in the coming weeks.
Gov. Brian Kemp’s latest executive order was issued last Thursday, June 11, and it lifted some of the restrictions that have been in place since declaring a public health state of emergency March 14.
The edict addresses Georgia’s emergency response efforts for limiting the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus) and went into effect Tuesday, June 16 at 12 a.m. and runs through 11:59 p.m. on June 30.
Georgia residents and visitors aged of 65 and older are no longer required to shelter in place unless they suffer from respiratory illnesses, severe heart disease, severe obesity or are immunocompromised.
Those who have been diagnosed with medical conditions such as diabetes, liver disease and chronic kidney disease and undergoing dialysis are urged to continue to shelter.
Gatherings of more than 50 people are prohibited unless there is at least six feet between each person. The press release noted, “this rule does not apply to critical infrastructure entities, incidental or transitory groupings or cohabitating individuals.”
Restaurants and dining halls are no longer restricted on the number of guests who can sit together, and there are no longer limits on the number of guests allowed per square foot. Workers must still wear face coverings when serving patrons.
Bars were previously limited to 25 people. Now up to 50 people may visit at a time or 35 percent of the building’s total listed fire capacity, whichever is greater.
Movie theaters are no longer limited on the number of patrons who can sit together.
Beginning July 1, conventions are allowed if they meet 21 requirements, as well as requirements for non-critical infrastructure entities. In this sense, “conventions” does not include “any regular operation of a business that occurs on property owned or leased for the exclusive operation of such business, nor does the term encompass regular religious services, business meetings or sports competitions.”
Georgia residents and visitors are still urged to wear face coverings, practice social distancing and wash and sanitize hands regularly.