ATLANTA — Gov. Brian Kemp signed an executive order Friday authorizing sheriffs to close businesses as part of enforcing his statewide shelter-in-place order.
The order says "sheriffs have uniquely positioned law enforcement officers who can assist in the State's response to the outbreak of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19" and will be "authorized to enforce the closure of businesses, establishments, corporations, non-profit corporations or organizations in accordance" with the order.
The order adds that sheriffs "should take reasonable steps to provide notice and a reasonable time to allow" businesses and other organizations "the opportunity to comply with directions from sheriffs or their deputies prior to mandating closure."
The governor's order is set to take effect at 6 p.m. this evening.
Under the order, a violation is treated as a misdemeanor crime.
There are exceptions for essential services, minimum basic operations, critical infrastructure, or necessary travel.
The kinds of businesses that could be shut by sheriffs under the governor's authorization must comply with a long list of "minimum basic operations" standards.You can read the Minimum Basic Operations requirements below (they are strict, and lengthy):
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