Gov. Kemp Says Cities Can’t Require Masks

In an executive order signed late Wednesday, Gov. Kemp said local municipalities and counties don’t have the authority to order residents to wear masks.

That puts him at loggerheads with several big Georgia cities, including Atlanta, Augusta and Savannah.

The order is in effect until July 31. Although denying cities the right to require masks, the executive order does say that all residents and visitors are “strongly encouraged to wear face coverings as practical.”

The face mask issue is a single paragraph on page 32 of the 41-page order, which can be found here.

“… any state, county, or municipal law, order, ordinan, rule or regulation that requires persons to wear face coverings, masks, face shields, or any other Personal Protective Equipment while in places of public accommodation or on public property are suspended to the extent they are more restrictive that this Executive Order.”

The order does not impact businesses. Restaurant employees are still required to wear masks.

For reactions from across the state, click here.