There will not be any new shutdowns or mask mandates in Georgia, as concerns over the recent uptick in COVID-19 cases grows.
“Georgia will not lock down or impose statewide mask mandates,” Gov. Brian Kemp said Wednesday on Twitter. “As the first state in the country to reopen over a year ago, we’ve proven that Georgians know how to come together and protect themselves and their loved ones.”
As the first state in the country to reopen over a year ago, we’ve proven that Georgians know how to come together and protect themselves and their loved ones.
— Governor Brian P. Kemp (@GovKemp) July 28, 2021
“The data is clear. Thanks to efforts initiated under the Trump Administration, we have a medical miracle in multiple vaccines that protect from the virus and save lives. Nearly all new COVID hospitalizations in Georgia are among the unvaccinated,” Kemp continued. “My family, myself, and other state leaders have all rolled up their sleeves and gotten their shot. I encourage all Georgians who have concerns or questions to talk to a medical provider and get vaccinated as quickly as possible.”
My family, myself, and other state leaders have all rolled up their sleeves and gotten their shot. I encourage all Georgians who have concerns or questions to talk to a medical provider and get vaccinated as quickly as possible.
— Governor Brian P. Kemp (@GovKemp) July 28, 2021
Kemp continued, noting that “mixed messages from Washington D.C.,” as well as political partisanship were large barriers to getting more Americans vaccinated. He also said “these safe, effective vaccines are our greatest tool to defeat COVID-19.”
Despite Kemp’s commitment to keeping Georgia open, some cities are already imposing restrictions on their residents.
Tuesday, the city of Savannah reimposed its mask mandates.
“Many people have just let their guard down,” Mayor Van Johnson said. “They’ve stopped masking, they’ve stopped social distancing regardless of vaccination status. None of us want to take a backward step in our return to normalcy, but wearing a mask is the simple, easy, most inexpensive thing we can do to protect ourselves and those around us.”
Scientists have blamed a new variant of the virus, the Delta variant, for causing the uptick in cases.
Wednesday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), headquartered in Atlanta, recommended that all Americans, even those who have been vaccinated, return to wearing masks in public places.
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Pete D’Abrosca is a contributor at The Georgia Star News and The Star News Network. Follow Pete on Twitter. Email tips to dabroscareports@gmail.com.