Georgia governor bars local governments from enacting mask, vaccine mandates

Georgia bars local governments from enacting mask, vaccine mandates Local governments in Georgia will be barred from enacting mask or vaccine mandates for businesses under an executive order signed Thursday by Gov. Brian Kemp (R). Nathaniel Weixel TheHill

Local governments in Georgia will be barred from enacting mask or vaccine mandates for businesses under an executive order signed Thursday by Gov. Brian Kemp (R).

Kemp said the order is necessary to "protect" private businesses. ...

"There are some across our state who want to go back into lockdown mode," Kemp said during a press conference, specifically mentioning Atlanta and Savannah, which both have indoor mask requirements. 

Under the executive order, private businesses will be able to require masks or vaccines if they choose, but local officials will not be able to mandate them.

"Local governments will not be able to force businesses to be the city's mask police, the vaccine police, or any other burdensome restriction,” Kemp said.  ...