Shelter in Place extended for elderly and medically fragile

Governor Bryan Kemp has set forth executive orders concerning guidelines for businesses reopening around the state, and further extending the shelter in place order for certain portions of the population, but Kemp also stated that he urged Georgians to continue to stay home whenever it is possible.

In the executive order issued on April 30, the current state of emergency declared in the executive order issued on March 14, and first extended on April 8, has now been extended to end June 12 at 11:59 p.m., which is an additional 30 days from the previous end date of May 13. Also extended to June 12 by the order is the shelter-in-place order pertaining to the elderly and medically fragile. This portion of the population includes individuals:

•65 years of age or older

•residing in a long term care facility or nursing home

•having chronic lung disease

•having moderate to severe asthma

•having severe heart disease

•who are immunocompromised

•having class III or severe obesity

•having diabetes

•having liver disease

•having chronic kidney disease or chronic kidney underlying dialysis

Further regarding long-term care facilities and nursing homes, Kemp stated,” In addition, I will order long-term care facilities – including nursing homes, personal care homes, assisted living facilities and similar community living homes – to utilize enhanced infection control protocols, ensure safer living conditions, and protect residents and staff from coronavirus exposure.”

While businesses have begun reopening this week, there are guidelines that must be followed in doing so.

“In accordance with our executive orders, businesses across the Peach State must continue to operate with strict social distancing and sanitation rules to keep customers and employees safe through May 13, 2020. Those rules vary by business type for a measured, health-driven approach,” Kemp said.

For example, restaurants and dining rooms must not have more than 10 patrons per 500 square feet (excluding restrooms, hallways, and areas closed to patrons), post signage stating that people exhibiting a fever or symptoms of COVID-19 are not permitted in the premises, and are encouraged to use paper menus to be discarded after use, among other guidelines. Establishments such as bars, nightclubs, public swimming pools, live performance venues, and operators of amusement park rides will remain closed until 11:59 p.m. on May 13.

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