Gov. Kemp Extends Protections for Vulnerable Georgians, Releases Guidance for Businesses

From Governor Kemp

APRIL 30, 2020

Atlanta, GA - Today Governor Brian P. Kemp signed Executive Order 4.30.20.01 and issued the following statement:

"Tonight at 11:59 PM, the statewide shelter in place order for most Georgians will expire. However, moving forward, I am urging Georgians to continue to stay home whenever possible. I want to thank the people of our great state who heeded public health advice, afforded us time to bolster our healthcare infrastructure, and flattened the curve. We were successful in these efforts, but the fight is far from over.

"In accordance with our executive orders, businesses across the Peach State must continue to operate with strict social distancing and sanitation rules to keep customers and employees safe through May 13, 2020. Those rules vary by business type for a measured, health-driven approach.

"The health and well-being of Georgians are my top priorities, and my decisions are based on data and advice from health officials. I will do what is necessary to protect the lives – and livelihoods – of our people. I will formally extend our public health state of emergency through June 12, 2020to continue enhanced testing across Georgia, ramp up contact tracing, and maintain effective emergency response operations in every region.

"To protect vulnerable populations, I will sign an order today requiring medically fragile and elderly Georgians to continue to shelter in place through June 12, 2020. In addition, I will order long-term care facilities – including nursing homes, personal care homes, assisted living facilities, and similar community living homes – to utilize enhanced infection control protocols, ensure safer living conditions, and protect residents and staff from coronavirus exposure.

"Together, we will defeat this virus and emerge stronger. Thank you, and God Bless."

Increased Testing Capacity

Testing Information - Putting it all together.

There is a lot of information, and it would appear different avenues to get tested. We want to pass on that this is a large effort that ramped up the testing capability in our State. It may seem disjointed but it's all heading in the same direction. Our strategy has been to share facts from primary sources with you throughout this, give us a call or send us a message if we can help.

It does not appear that if you call one you will be referred to the other testing sites even if they are closer. This is less than optimal, and we have heard they are working on making a one-stop-shop method. The take home is that if you need to be tested there is plenty of capability available.


The Fulton County Board of Health is staffing a COVID-19 Hotline at 404-613-8150 . You can call this number to receive an appointment for testing. We do know that the testing site they send most callers from North Fulton is located in Alpharetta.

http://fultoncountyboh.org/boh/index.php/2019-ncov/covid-19

These sites are  Fulton County Board of Health / Georgia National Guard/ Atlanta-Fulton County Emergency Management and collaborations with State and local jurisdictions, public safety, and emergency management organizations.


The Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency has created a webpage to give you #COVID19 testing information. There is a neat app created by Augusta University that will have you can utilize for symptoms and testing.

https://gema.georgia.gov/covid-19-testing-info

This website list testing sites and screening from the Georgia National Guard/Auguste University collaboration, from private providers, such as CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart, Community Health Center Sites, as well as County Public Health information.

Providing additional guidance for food service establishments, bowling alleys, and theaters in response to COVID-19

From Governor Kemp:https://gov.georgia.gov/executive-action/executive-orders/2020-executive-orders

Georgia Department of Public Health Daily Status Report

Georgia Department of Public Health Daily Status Report

There is a new look to the daily report. It is now a web page and can be accessed at the link above.

Need to get tested for COVID-19?

Need to get tested for COVID-19?

We have heard many wanting to be tested for COVID-19 and expressing frustration with not being able to find testing. We also field numerous questions about private entities charging for COVID-19 testing. So, we talked to the Fulton County Board of Health and have some information for you.

The Fulton County Board of Health has been operating multiple testing sites that are free to Fulton County residents. Tomorrow they are opening a new testing site that is located in North Fulton County. The location has never been prohibitive in getting tested. Now it is even more convenient, all you have to do is call the Fulton County Board of Health to get a number and the location of a test site. Arrive at your allocated time and get tested. It’s as easy as that. There is plenty of capacity, we do not have any reports of people being turned away.

The Georgia National Guard is also running testing sites throughout the State. To access these, you can utilize the express care app from Augusta University. It’s just as easy.

There is work underway to merge all of the various counties’ health department sites, as well as the State sites, into one contact method.

Private testing sites:

Yes, they exist, and most are legitimate. They do typically charge a fee and/or bill your insurance. Unfortunately, there are also scam sites that are selling an illegitimate product, trying to steal your personal information, or both.

Antibody testing:

This is where it gets complicated. We applied a strategy early on to only share facts from primary sources (CDC, Department of Public Health, etc.) to help cut down on rumors and false information surrounding COVID-19. There is not a lot of primary sourced facts dealing with antibody testing. The facts seem to point to the need for more testing to be done to validate what the experts can learn from antibody testing. There are numerous studies underway, but there is not a definitive answer as to what a positive or negative antibody test means. When we find out more, we will pass it on to you.

Fulton County Board of Health has asked us to help them make their process better for you. When you call their number and go through the testing process let us know about your experience. Many of the people manning their hotline did other health jobs prior to this and are not experienced working in a call center, so be patient. They want to help and will get you connected.

Call us if we can help, let us know what information we can find out for you. We will do everything we can to keep you informed.

Providing guidance for reviving a healthy Georgia in response to COVID-19

From Governor Kemp:https://gov.georgia.gov/executive-action/executive-orders/2020-executive-orders

Guidance on Governor Kemp’s Executive Order 04.20.20.01

From Governor Kemp: https://gov.georgia.gov/executive-action/executive-orders/2020-executive-orders

Governor Kemp’s Executive Order 04.20.20.01 Which new entities can engage in Minimum Basic Operations?

Gyms, fitness centers, bowling alleys, body art studios, barbers, cosmetologists, hair designers, nail care artists, estheticians, their respective schools, and massage therapists can begin engaging in Minimum Basic Operations on Friday, April 24, 2020. This means these businesses can open to the public on a limited basis, subject to restrictions.

The current shelter-in-place order will expire at 11:59 P.M. on April 30, 2020. After that date, new rules will be promulgated by the Governor through Executive Order to continue to limit social interaction while providing flexibility for business owners to maintain the value of their business.

Restaurants and dining rooms of private social clubs will be allowed to reopen on a limited basis on Monday, April 27, 2020, subject to new restrictions to be promulgated by the Governor on Thursday, April 23, 2020.

Theaters will also be permitted to engage in Minimum Basic Operations beginning Monday, April 27, 2020, subject to new restrictions to be promulgated by the Governor on Thursday, April 23, 2020.

Bars, nightclubs, amusement park ride operators, and live performance venues will remain closed through at least May 13, 2020 when the Public Health State of Emergency is set to expire.

What are Minimum Basic Operations?

Minimum Basic Operations include the following categories:

•       The minimum necessary activities to maintain the value of a business, establishment, corporation, non-profit corporation, or organization; provide services; manage inventory; ensure security; process payroll and employee benefits; or for related functions, and such minimum necessary activities include remaining open to the public subject to the restrictions of this Order

•       The minimum necessary activities to facilitate employees or volunteers being able to work remotely from their residences or members or patrons being able to participate remotely from their residences

•       Instances where employees are working outdoors without regular contact with other persons, such as delivery services, contractors, landscape businesses, and agricultural industry services

All businesses, establishments, corporations, non-profit corporations, and organizations that are subject to the Minimum Basic Operations restrictions shall implement measures which mitigate the exposure and spread of COVID-19. Such measures shall include:

1.              Screening and evaluating workers who exhibit signs of illness, such as a fever over 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit, cough, or shortness of breath;

2.             Requiring workers who exhibit signs of illness to not report to work or to seek medical attention;

3.             Enhancing sanitation of the workplace as appropriate;

4.             Requiring hand washing or sanitation by workers at appropriate places within the business location;

5.              Providing personal protective equipment as available and appropriate to the function and location of the worker within the business location;

6.             Prohibiting gatherings of workers during working hours;

7.              Permitting workers to take breaks and meals outside, in their office or personal workspace, or in such other areas where proper social distancing is attainable;

8.             Implementing teleworking for all possible workers;

9.             Implementing staggered shifts for all possible workers;

10.           Holding all meetings and conferences virtually, wherever possible;

11.            Delivering intangible services remotely wherever possible;

12.           Discouraging workers from using other workers’ phones, desks, offices, or other work tools and equipment;

13.           Prohibiting handshaking and other unnecessary person-to-person contact in the workplace;

14.           Placing notices that encourage hand hygiene at the entrance to the workplace and in other workplace areas where they are likely to be seen;

15.           Suspending the use of Personal Identification Number (“PIN”) pads, PIN entry devices, electronic signature capture, and any other credit card receipt signature requirements to the extent such suspension is permitted by agreements with credit card companies and credit agencies;

16.           Enforcing social distancing of non-cohabitating persons while present on such entity’s leased or owned property;

17.           For retailers and service providers, providing for alternative points of sale outside of buildings, including curbside pickup or delivery of products and/or services if an alternative point of sale is permitted under Georgia law;

18.           Increasing physical space between workers and customers;

19.           Providing disinfectant and sanitation products for workers to clean their workspace, equipment, and tools;

20.          Increasing physical space between workers’ worksites to at least six (6) feet.

Can healthcare facilities conduct elective surgeries?

Many healthcare facilities across Georgia voluntarily ceased elective surgeries to reduce equipment and personnel shortages. Given recent changes in modeling related to surge

capacity and national supply, Georgia healthcare facilities are better positioned to secure the necessary personal protective equipment to resume elective surgeries.

How does this Executive Order apply to places of worship?

Holding in-person services at places of worship is allowed, but services must be held in accordance with strict social distancing protocols. At the beginning of the pandemic, places of worship were asked to move to online or drive-in services to help Georgia flatten the curve for coronavirus.

The Governor is appreciative of faith leaders taking these measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Although online or drive-in services remain the best way to prevent the spread of the virus, now that we have greater capacity in our healthcare system, the Governor wants to provide places of worship the flexibility to return to in-person services.

Nothing prevents a place of worship from hosting an in-person service, and the state will not stand in the way of these efforts. However, places of worship should maintain strict social distancing if they choose to return to in-person services. Parishioners should maintain at least six feet of distance from those persons that do not cohabitate with them.

All organizations are required to limit gatherings to a size where social distancing may be enforced among all persons. This means in looking at the entire square footage of a gathering space, a place of worship should ensure there is enough room for all persons to have at least six feet between themselves and anyone else if needed.

Best Practices for Religious Services

This list does not cover every scenario. Places of worship and religious institutions need to tailor their guidance to reflect their specific needs and resources.

•       Online, call-in, or drive-in services remain the best options to mitigate potential exposure to coronavirus.

•       Do not attend religious services if you are not feeling well, have a fever, or have had direct contact with someone who likely has or is confirmed to have COVID-19.

•       Throughout the service, maintain at least six feet between the person in front of you, behind you, and each side of you.

•       Family members and cohabitating individuals are allowed to sit together.

•       Please wear a face mask or cloth covering to mitigate the spread of coronavirus.

•       Depending on the size of the congregation, additional services may be necessary to achieve at least six feet between non-cohabitating members.

•       When members arrive, they should immediately be seated, and once a service ends, rows should be emptied sequentially with everyone immediately going to their vehicles.

•       Refrain from using items touched by multiple people unless you can sanitize after each use. For example, in lieu of offering plates, consider using a dropbox.

•       If you closed nurseries, childcare, Sunday School classes, or related functions, strongly consider keeping them closed for the foreseeable future.

•       Medically fragile and elderly Georgians should continue to shelter in place and utilize remote services instead of in-person services.

•       Strongly consider cancelling choir and choir practice to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Is the Governor’s Shelter in Place Order still in effect?

The Shelter in Place Order is still active and expires at 11:59 PM on April 30, 2020 for most Georgians. Medically fragile and elderly Georgians should plan to continue sheltering in place through at least May 13, 2020. The Governor’s Office urges everyone to continue to follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Georgia Department of Public Health guidance to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Safety Guidelines for reopening Barber and Cosmetology Salons

Safety Guidelines for reopening Barber and Cosmetology Salons

For more details click the links below.

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Georgia State Board of Cosmetologists and Barbers recommends reopening barber and cosmetology salons and shops with the following strict guidelines in order to protect the safety of clients and employees. The recommendations should be used in conjunction with the board rules for safety and sanitation that are currently in place. Keep in mind that these guidelines will be in effect during the period of the COVID-19 pandemic and may be adjusted as necessary, and they will be reduced when safe to do so. Upon inspection, if any salon or shop is found in violation of these guidelines, they may be closed immediately by public health officials or the board.

Salon/shop owners and managers should use the OSHA “Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19” as a guide for reopening.

•       Temperature checks -Salons should consider use of a touchless infrared thermometer to check the temperature of employee each day and of each client who enters the salon/shop. Any employee or client who has a temperature above 99°F should be sent home immediately and not allowed to return to the salon/shop until they have no fever and no evidence of COVID-19 symptoms.

•       Ask each client entering the shop the following questions:

Ø  Have you had a cough?

Ø  Have you had a fever,

Ø  Have you been around anyone exhibiting these symptoms within the past 14 days?

Ø  Are you living with anyone who is sick or quarantined?

•       Limit people in the shop/salon – Salons/shops should consider seeing clients by appointment only. Salons/shops should consider telephonic or online scheduling. Limit the number of persons waiting area in the salon/shop. It is recommended that clients wait outside the salon/shop in their vehicle until the cosmetologist or barber is ready to serve them. It is recommended that persons not being serviced in the salon/shop wait outside the salon/shop. Salons/shops are not be used for social gathering places!

•       Maintain social distancing at all times! Spacing between persons in the salon should be at least six feet, except when staff are servicing clients. Salons/shops should consider additional spacing between booths, divider shields, and/or alternate work schedules to accomplish this.

•       Personal Protective Gear-

Ø  Wearing masks – Salon/shop employees will be required to wear masks at all times. Salons may want to consider providing masks to clients. Clients should wear face masks to the extent possible while receiving services.

Ø  Face Shields – If available, it is recommended that employees wear face shields when servicing clients.

Ø  Gloves – It is recommended that employees wear disposable gloves when servicing clients and change gloves between each client to the greatest extent possible.

Ø  Capes - Each client should be draped with a clean cape. Capes should be laundered following the fabric recommendations between each client, or salons/shops may consider using disposable capes and dispose of the cape after it is used.

Ø  Smocks -Employees should wear a clean smock between each client. Smocks should be laundered following the fabric recommendations between each client, or salons/shops may consider using disposable smocks and dispose of the smock after use on a client.

Ø  Neck strips – Employees should use protective neck strips around the neck of each hair-cut client.

Ø  Hand-washing with soapy, warm water, for a minimum of 20 seconds will be required by employees between every client service.

Ø  Employee clothing – Employees should arrive at the salon/shop showered and wearing clean clothing. Employees should change clothes before entering their homes when they return from work.

Ø  PPG, such as gloves, gowns, drapes, linens and eye coverings should be changed between each client. These used items should be cleaned and disinfected or discarded in a closed container.

•       Disinfection –

Ø  All salons/shops should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected prior to reopening. Disinfect all surfaces, tools, and linens, even if they were cleaned before the salon/shop was closed.

Ø  Use disinfectants that are EPA –registered and labeled as bactericidal, virucidal and fungicidal. No product will be labeled for COVID-19 yet, but many will have human coronavirus efficacy either on the label or available on their website. The EPA has approved any product that has tested as effective against human coronavirus. If in doubt of the effectiveness, check the EPA website.

Ø  Disinfectant for immersion of tools, must be mixed daily and replaced sooner if it becomes contaminated throughout the work day. Disinfectant only works on a clean surface so clean all surfaces and tools with hot soapy water, Ship-shape or cleaning wipes (if using wipes, be sure to cover surface thoroughly) before disinfecting.

Ø  Contact time on label must be observed for disinfectant to work. Contact time refers to how long the disinfectant is visibly wet on the surface allowing it to thoroughly destroy all of the pathogens. Typical contact time for immersion/sprays is 10 minutes, for disinfectant wipes is 2-4 minutes.

Ø  Disinfectants used for immersion must be changed daily or sooner if it becomes contaminated (ex: hair/debris floating in solution or cloudy solution.)

Ø  Disinfection is for hard non-porous surfaces, glass metal and plastic.

Ø  Porous/soft surfaces can not be disinfected and must only be used once and then discarded (tools such as cardboard files, buffers, drill bits etc.)

Ø  Launder all linens, towels drapes, and smocks in hot soapy water and dry completely at the warmest temperature allowed and store in an airtight cabinet. Store all used/dirty linens in an airtight container.

Ø  The use of mask is mandatory. Place a clean towel, placed over the face of your client while at the sink in a good way to protect their mouth, nose and eyes. Minimize to the greatest degree possible, up-close, direct face-to-face contact with clients.

•       Reception area -

Ø  Remove all unnecessary items such as magazines, newspapers, service menus, any other unnecessary paper products and decor. Wipe down all seats and tables; cloth chairs cannot be properly cleaned and disinfected, using a plastic cover should be considered.

Ø  Wipe reception desk with disinfectant. Consider discontinuing use of paper appointment books or cards, and replace with electronic options.

Ø  Employees should frequently wash their hands after the using the phones, computer, cash register and/or credit card machine. Wipe these surfaces between each use.

Ø  Avoiding the exchange of cash can help greatly in preventing spread of virus, but if this is unavoidable, be sure to wash and sanitize hands well after each transaction. The use of credit/debit transactions is preferred, using touch/swipe/no signature technology.

Ø  Clean and disinfect all retail areas, daily, including products. Try to avoid client touching products that they don’t plan to purchase.

Ø  Clean and wipe all door handles and other surfaces that are regularly touched by clients and staff with disinfectant wipes.

Ø  Provide hand sanitizer and tissues for employees and clients.

Ø  Consider floor stickers and signage that provide guidance for social distance

Ø  Placement of visible and appropriate signage to communicate to the customer that thorough sanitation procedures are in place.

Ø  Consider placement of sneeze shields.

•       Restrooms -

Ø  Clean and disinfect ALL restroom surfaces including floors, sinks and toilet bowls. Store paper products in a closed cabinet and provide antibacterial hand soap. Place trashcan by door. Remove anything that does not have to be in the restrooms.

•       Shampoo Bowls-

Ø  Clean and disinfect all bowls, hoses, spray nozzles, foist handles, shampoo chairs and arm rests. Wipe down all back-bar products and shelves. Discard and replace any products that have not been stored in a closed container.

Ø  If available, wrap shampoo bowls in plastic and discarded between each client.

Ø  Consider asking clients to wash their own hair before entering the salon/shop.

Ø  Limit as much as possible face-to-face contact with clients, and consider using face-shields by those employees providing shampoo services.

•       Work stations-

Ø  Clean and disinfect all work area surfaces. Clean and disinfect chairs, head rest, arm rests (the use of harsh disinfectants can damage leather chair, and cloth chairs cannot be disinfected, so please use a plastic covering). Clean and disinfect all reusable tools and store in an airtight closed container. Clean and disinfect all appliances, sheers, clippers, clipper guards, clippies, rollers, combs, brushes, rolling carts and any other items used in connection with servicing clients.

Ø  Check to make sure all products such as lotions, creams, waxes and scrubs have always been in a closed container, if not you must discard and replace.

Ø  Remove and discard all single use tools such as paper files, drill bits and buffers, that have already been used.

Ø  Clean and disinfect all linen hampers and trash container and only use such container that can be closed and use with liners that can be removed and discarded.

Ø  Provide hand sanitizer at all work locations for employees and clients.

Ø  Consider station barriers between work stations.

•       Pedicure Bowls-

Ø  Remove all parts that can removed.

Ø  Clean all removed parts with soap and water, rinse in clear water and then immerse into properly diluted disinfectant for full recommended contact time.

Ø  Scrub bowl with soap and water and replace removed parts to bowl.

Ø  Rinse with bowl with clean water.

Ø  Fill bowl with again with clean water and proper amount of disinfectant and let stand for proper time (at least 10 minutes).

Ø  If your bowl has jets, allow the jets run for a full 10 minutes with disinfectant.

•       Treatment rooms-

Ø  Clean and disinfect all surfaces such as, chairs, tables, electrical appliances (don’t forget the cords).

Ø  Clean and disinfect all linens and store in a closed container/cabinet.

Ø  Clean and disinfect all hampers that hold soiled linens and be sure to use one that can be lined and closed.

Ø  Remove and discard any products that could have been contaminated by improper unsanitary use. Replace with new product.

Ø  Empty all wax pots and disinfect before refilling them with new wax. Purchase new single use applicators that can be deposed of in an airtight trash bin. The airtight trash bin should have a lid and should be lined with a disposable plastic bag.

•       Administrative Controls-

Ø  Employees who are sick will be expected to stay home.

Ø  Salon/shop owner/managers should provide training, educational materials, and reinforcement on proper sanitation, hand-washing, cough and sneeze etiquette, using PPE, and other protective behaviors.

Ø  Ensure break-rooms are thoroughly cleaned and sanitized and not used for congregating by employees.

Ø  Ensure that all sinks in the workplace have antibacterial soap available and paper towels.

Ø  Post handwashing signs in the restrooms.

Ø  Provide alcohol wipes for use at phone stations.

Ø  Be flexible with work schedules/salon hours to reduce the numbers of people (employees and clients) in salons/shops at all times in order to maintain social distancing.

Ø  Provide Barbicide® or EPA disinfectant wipes, liquid disinfectant containers, and Barbicide® concentrate/or EPA approved disinfectant for disinfecting technical implements and work areas.

Ø  Consider discontinuing hand relief treatments as well as scalp, neck, and shoulder massages during the COVID-19 pandemic.