Kemp’s Georgia ‘Opening’ Message Causes Confusion Over State’s COVID-19 Rules

In a video statement, Gov. Brian Kemp said that he was “loosening the remaining restrictions on our economy here in Georgia,” which, he said, among other changes, means “distance requirements for bars, restaurants and other places of business will be a thing of the past.” But the 34-page executive order, which went into effect Thursday and expires at the end of April, still includes some distance requirements.

Brynn Anderson / Associated PRess

On Thursday, Gov. Brian Kemp scaled back many of Georgia’s COVID-19 restrictions that had been in place for months. But messaging around the regulatory changes led to confusion about what guidelines actually remain in place.

Dozens of regulations remain on the books. 

A press release from the governor’s office late Wednesday titled “Georgia is Open for Business” highlighted the recently signed executive order “rolling back the remaining COVID-19 restrictions on Georgia’s economy.”