UPDATE: Georgia Sec. of State moves primary to June 9

ATLANTA (WJBF) – Georgia Governor Brian Kemp gave an update on COVID-19, Wednesday afternoon at 4 p.m.

During which, the Governor extended the state wide shelter-in-place order to last through April 30th.

Earlier today, Governor Kemp announced plans to extend the state’s public health state of emergency through May 13th.

He also announced the activation of 1,000 additional National Guard members to assist in the fight against the virus.

Gov. Kemp also signed an executive order to suspend all short-term vacation rentals in Georgia until April 30th. This does not include hotels, motels, campgrounds or long term stay.

Original article below:

GEORGIA (WJBF/PRESS RELEASE) – Georgia Governor Brian Kemp has announced plans to extend the state’s public health state of emergency through May 13th.

Just announced plans to extend public health state of emergency thru May 13. We'll publish it shortly. Other executive orders, including shelter in place, remain in effect. Shelter in place order runs thru April 13. Watch 4 PM press conference: https://t.co/dKgLPSIuap. #gapol — Governor Brian P. Kemp (@GovKemp) April 8, 2020

FULL PRESS RELEASE BELOW:

Today Governor Brian P. Kemp, Lieutenant Governor Geoff Duncan, and House Speaker David Ralston announced plans to extend Georgia’s public health state of emergency through May 13, 2020 to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Under state law, the Governor may renew the public health state of emergency, which was otherwise set to expire on April 13, 2020. Lt. Governor Duncan and Speaker Ralston agree it is necessary for the public health emergency to be renewed and will not be requesting a special legislative session, which was tentatively scheduled for April 15, 2020.

“To ensure the health and well-being of Georgians, I will extend the public health state of emergency through May 13, 2020. This measure will allow us to continue to deploy resources to communities in need, lend support to frontline medical providers, and keep preparing as we brace for potential patient surge in our healthcare facilities. We deeply appreciate the hard work of Georgians who are sheltering in place, using social distancing, and helping us flatten the curve. We are in this fight together,” said Governor Kemp. “I appreciate Lt. Governor Duncan and Speaker Ralston continuing to work with us to ensure resources are available to proactively respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, and I thank them for their support of an extended emergency declaration. In these unprecedented times, we ask Georgians for their continued patience and prayers, especially for first responders, law enforcement, and the healthcare workers caring for the medically fragile. They are going above and beyond to keep us all safe, and we will never be able to repay them for their sacrifices.”

“We must continue our aggressive fight against COVID-19,” said Lt. Governor Duncan. “By extending the public health state of emergency, we can ensure Georgians have access to every available state resource during this crisis. Together, Speaker Ralston and I are working closely with Governor Kemp to do all we can to make sure we are meeting the needs of every Georgian. The General Assembly will continue to remain vigilant and available to assist our citizens in any way possible.”

“The entirety of our state government is working to protect the health and safety of our citizens, and I appreciate the work of our state personnel and first responders during this challenging time,” said Speaker David Ralston. “While we have difficult days ahead, we continue to coordinate with both local and federal partners in responding to needs as they arise. As Georgians, we will persevere and emerge stronger on the other side.”