Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp says he will issue a statewide shelter-in-place order to prevent spread of the coronavirus and shut down public schools for the rest of the year. Kemp had previously resisted calls for a statewide order for all Georgians to shelter at home, saying those decisions are best left to local governments.
The result has been a patchwork of ordinances that can vary widely even between neighboring communities. Kemp said at a news conference on Wednesday the order will take effect Friday and run through April 13. The announcement comes as the number of coronavirus cases in the state continues to climb.
