Georgia Governor Brian Kemp announced an executive order that allows long-term care facilities to conduct in-person visitation in accordance with the DPH Administrative Order titled “Long-Term Care Facilities Reopening Guidance.”

Previous executive orders banned such visits earlier in the pandemic.

“The state has collaborated with appropriate agencies, long-term care associations, and other stakeholders on how to responsibly ease restrictions in long-term care facilities while COVID-19 remains in communities across the state,” Kemp said.

Visitation will be allowed under phases 2 and 3, with outside visits preferred. Limited non-medically necessary trips also will be permitted under the second and third phases. Screening of residents and staff will only be required once a day under Phase 3.

The elderly-care facilities order will remain in effect until the conclusion of the public health state of emergency Kemp declared in Georgia back in mid-March.

The new executive order stipulates no changes to the mandatory restrictions in place for the operation of businesses, including food establishments, bars, cinemas, bowling alleys, salons, barbers, cosmetologists, amusement parks, live performance and event venues, childcare facilities, etc. The local option for requiring face coverings, subject to specific criteria, remains in place.
As of Wednesday afternoon, there are 299,056 confirmed cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the state, according to the Georgia Department of Health. 6,419 people have succumbed to the disease. 26,884 individuals have been hospitalized and 4,912 people were admitted to intensive care after being clinically diagnosed with COVID-19.
In this Friday, July 17, 2020 file photo, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp speaks during a coronavirus briefing at the Capitol, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore, File)
In this Friday, July 17, 2020 file photo, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp speaks during a coronavirus briefing at the Capitol, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore, File)

Itoro Umontuen currently serves as Managing Editor of The Atlanta Voice. Upon his arrival to the historic publication, he served as their Director of Photography. As a mixed-media journalist, Umontuen...

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