Kemp extends Shelter in Place order through April 30

Gov. Brian Kemp announced Wednesday he is extending Georgia’s public health emergency through April 30.

Extending the emergency order allows the Governor to continue to use his authority as Governor to suspend laws and impose other COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.

That authority includes direct control of civil workers, restricting travel, limiting public gathers and whatever else he believes is necessary to control the spread of the coronavirus.

Lt. Governor Duncan and Speaker Ralston agree it is necessary for the public health emergency to be renewed and will not be requesting a special legislative session, which was tentatively scheduled for April 15, 2020.

“To ensure the health and well-being of Georgians, I will extend the public health state of emergency through April 30, 2020,” he said.

This measure allows Kemp to continue to deploy resources to communities in need, lend support to frontline medical providers, and keep preparing as the state braces for potential patient surge in Georgia’s healthcare facilities.

He says, “We deeply appreciate the hard work of Georgians who are sheltering in place, using social distancing and helping us flatten the curve. We are in this fight together. I appreciate Lt. Governor Duncan and Speaker Ralston continuing to work with us to ensure resources are available to proactively respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, and I thank them for their support of an extended emergency declaration. In these unprecedented times, we ask Georgians for their continued patience and prayers, especially for first responders, law enforcement, and the healthcare workers caring for the medically fragile. They are going above and beyond to keep us all safe, and we will never be able to repay them for their sacrifices.”

WNEG News will continue to follow this story and bring you additional details as they are released.