Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp bans cities, counties from mandating masks
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp has banned cities and counties from requiring people to wear masks in public places to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
The executive order — which extends the state’s virus restrictions — voids existing mask mandates from at least 15 local governments across the state.
The governor has previously tried to encourage voluntary mask-wearing, saying that requirements are “a bridge too far.”
“We’ve been clear in previous orders and statements that local mask mandates are unenforceable,” his office told the Augusta Chronicle. “The governor has encouraged Georgians to wear them voluntarily for months now.”
Georgia reported 3,871 new infections on Wednesday, the second-highest daily count to date, and 37 deaths.
The Peach State has seen 127,834 people test positive for the virus, including 3,091 deaths.
With Post wires
