Republican Georgia Governor Brian Kemp is banning his state’s cities and counties from mandating mask wearing in public. He voided orders of at least 15 local governments across the state because he says such orders are unenforceable by authorities.
He has issued an order “strongly encouraging” Georgians to wear masks and to follow socials distancing guidelines however.
Democratic leaders in the state strongly disapproved of the move.
It is officially official. Governor Kemp does not give a damn about us. Every man and woman for himself/herself. Ignore the science and survive the best you can.
In #Savannah, we will continue to keep the faith and follow the science. Masks will continue to be available!
— Mayor Van Johnson (@MayorJohnsonSAV) July 16, 2020
But Kemp is unbowed. Yesterday he filed a lawsuit against Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms for imposing a mask order in her city. He said he was doing so on behalf of small business owners and employees.
This lawsuit is on behalf of the Atlanta business owners and their hardworking employees who are struggling to survive during these difficult times. (1/4) https://t.co/vxiOmteHaH
— Governor Brian P. Kemp (@GovKemp) July 16, 2020
Georgia was among the first states in the nation to ease back the lockdown. Kemp has so far resisted calls to reverse those rollbacks despite heavy pressure.
He has however, extended certain elements of his state’s response to the pandemic such as a ban on gatherings of more than 50 people and orders for elderly and infirmed Georgians to shelter in place until at least July 31.
Photo by Georgia National Guard