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The latest on COVID-19 in Georgia
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Rep. Jon Burns

This past week, Gov. Kemp stated that he will renew the public health state of emergency in Georgia due to the effect COVID-19 is having on our state and that it will be in place through June 13.

Additionally, Gov. Kemp allowed the statewide shelter-in-place order that he had instituted for all Georgians to expire as of April 30, 2020. Gov. Kemp’s executive order that was put in place recently modified the restrictions placed on Georgians and limited the shelter-in-place requirement to those populations that have been determined to be at higher risk of contracting COVID-19 and at higher risk of more severe outcomes if they do contract it.

These higher-risk populations include individuals who are 65 years old or older, have chronic lung disease, moderate to severe asthma, or severe heart disease, or are immunocompromised, among other conditions. 

Kemp’s recent Executive Orders also provided additional guidance for Georgia businesses as more businesses continue to expand in-person operations. For more information, you can find Kemp’s Executive Orders on his website at www.gov.ga.gov. 


Economic resource

The Georgia Department of Economic Development has developed an exciting new resource for Georgians looking for the critical supplies that will be needed by so many in our state. On their website, you will find a list of Georgia-based suppliers of items ranging from air purifying machines to hand sanitizer to masks.

If your business supplies these types of items, you may fill out an application on their site to be included in the list. The application can be found at www.georgia.org/covid19response. The list of Georgia-based businesses can be found at www.georgia.org/covid19suppliers. As you look for supplies to keep your family and workplace safe, I encourage you to support these Georgia businesses during these difficult times.


Employment opportunity

For those looking for additional employment opportunities, the Georgia Department of Health is currently seeking Contact Tracers who will be trained to contact individuals who have been diagnosed with COVID-19.  Contact tracers work to identify individuals who may have been exposed to COVID-19.  This proven method can help prevent the spread of the disease. For more information and to apply for the position, visit www.governmentjobs.com/careers/georgiadph, and search for “Georgia Contact Tracer.”

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. If you would like to receive email updates, please visit my website to sign up for my newsletter or email me.


Jon Burns represents District 159, which includes parts of Bulloch County in the Georgia General Assembly where he serves as the House majority leader.