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Gov. Kemp Prohibits Local Leaders Enforcing COVID Restrictions on Businesses

AP Photo/John Bazemore, File

Governor Brian Kemp signed an Executive Order into effect Thursday afternoon, which bans local governments from enforcing COVID-19 restrictions on businesses.

Local governments will not be able to force businesses to be the city's mask police, the vaccine police or any other burdensome restriction.

“That’s why the Executive Order I signed today will ensure that businesses cannot be forced to follow local government ordinances regarding COVID-19,” Kemp said. “Local governments will not be able to force businesses to be the city’s mask police, the vaccine police or any other burdensome restriction that will only lead to employees being let go, revenue tanking and businesses closing their doors.

he said those establishments that choose to follow local restrictions are free to do so.

“I trust hardworking Georgians to know what is best for themselves, their families and their employees.”

Kemp cited the state’s 15-month straight drop in the unemployment rate, Triple A bond rating, tax cuts, job growth and funding for education, public safety and health care as signs of growth.

“Throughout the pandemic I’ve been clear and consistent, we would protect both lives and livelihoods. We were going to make sure than hard-working Georgians could put food on the table for their families but also would be able to continue to fight a once in a lifetime pandemic.”

The governor says he still supports local school systems maintaining control when it comes to issuing mask mandates or other restrictions.

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