Friends,
Gov. Brian Kemp issued an executive order last week mandating that Georgians “shelter in place.” This order provides that all Georgians should remain at home as much as possible, with some very notable exceptions.
Georgians who work in industries that are determined to be “critical infrastructure” — along with suppliers that provide essential goods and services to critical infrastructure workforce, legal services, home hospices, and non-profits that offer food distribution or other health or mental health services — are allowed to continue their business operations but are asked to institute a variety of practices that will protect their employees and communities from COVID-19.
Businesses that are not “critical infrastructure” are to engage only in “minimum basic operations” — the minimum actions that are necessary to maintain the value of their businesses and to facilitate their employees to work remotely where possible. Additionally, employees who are working outdoors without regular contact with other people are considered to be engaged in “minimum basic operations.”
Finally, businesses that are not “critical infrastructure” are also being asked to institute additional practices that will protect their employees and communities.
To determine whether your business is “critical infrastructure,” I have posted on my Facebook page a graphic that outlines the different standards for Georgia businesses and links to documents that will give additional guidance and information to you as we navigate this difficult time for our state and our businesses.
If any of you have questions about COVID-19, there are multiple options for you to receive updated, accurate information. The Georgia Department of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are both maintaining sections on their websites devoted to information about COVID-19. The Georgia DPH will also be updating its website daily with information on the number of COVID-19 cases in the state. Additionally, Governor Kemp’s website is continuously updating its section on COVID-19. For individuals who are non-symptomatic and have not been exposed to COVID-19, a toll-free phone number has been created for information on COVID-19: 1-844-442-2681.
Again, if you have additional questions, there are more details on my Facebook page. If you would like to receive email updates, please visit my website to sign up for my newsletter or email me at Jon.Burns@house.ga.gov.
Please continue to use common sense, wash your hands and follow the guidelines outlined in the governor’s executive order. This is a stressful time for our nation and our state, and our leaders and fellow Georgians are all in our prayers. To those who have lost loved ones, please know that my special thoughts and prayers are with you.
As we work hard in the days ahead to strengthen Georgia families and businesses, please do not hesitate to call (404-656-5052), e-mail (Jon.Burns@house.ga.gov), or engage on Facebook (www.facebook.com/JonBurnsGA) with your feedback. It is an honor to represent you in the General Assembly, and I look forward to seeing you soon.
Jon Burns represents District 159 in the Georgia General Assembly where he serves as the House majority leader.
