Georgia Gov Brian Kemp slammed for suspending mask mandates, Angry Internet says 'stop trying to please Trump'
As the number of coronavirus cases and hospitalizations increases in the state of Georgia, Republican Governor Brian Kemp has extended coronavirus related restrictions until July 31. The governor’s order arrived hours before a slate of Covid-19 restrictions were set to expire on July 15. The latest executive order also contains new language requiring that any masking mandates put in place by city or county governments that go beyond the state’s voluntary measures “are suspended.” Kemp has executive authority to issue emergency orders through at least August 11. In July, Georgia has reported the largest single-day increase in newly reported cases. Current Covid-19 hospitalizations reached their highest point since the start of the pandemic. As of July 15, Georgia reported 127,834 Covid-19 cases and 3,091 deaths.
The order bans gatherings of 50 or more people unless they are six or more feet apart. Previous distancing, safety, sanitation, and other related protocols that Georgia businesses and other entities were required to implement to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus are extended as well. Residents and visitors to the state are encouraged but not required to wear face coverings, and those who live in long-term care facilities or suffer from certain medical conditions must continue sheltering in place. The new set of rules Kemp signed specified for the first time that cities and counties can’t require the use of masks or other face coverings.
Many took to social media to express their anger over Kemp's new rule banning mask mandating across Georgia. One user tweeted, "Brian Kemp stop trying to please Trump who is crumbling by the day. Save lives or to the curb with Trump you snuck [sic]!" Another wrote, "[Criminal] Malpractice. More Georgians will die, thanks to you. Americans will die, thank you, Brian Kemp." A user opined, "Brian Kemp is so ridiculously awful in every single way and has proven it every day since he got 'elected'. Overriding mask mandates of mayors/local officials will directly lead to more death in our state and not just for those who choose not to wear a mask."
Singer Janelle Monae tweeted, "WEAR A MASK GEORGIA. BRIAN KEMP STOLE THE ELECTION. DON’T LET HIM & COVID STEAL YOUR LIFE." A user opined, "Gov Brian Kemp of Georgia voids all local mask mandates. Just when you think Ron DeSantis is the most incompetent unAmerican Governor in America. Kemp says hold my MAGA hat." A user pointed out, "Lives would literally be saved if Stacey Abrams was the Governor of Georgia, not Brian Kemp."
One user shared, "Brian Kemp is sick AF. He is 101% going against science and what is best for the people living in his own damn state. This is beyond reprehensible!" Another asked, "Governor Brian Kemp has voided all local mandates for protective masks in the state of Georgia. Is The Joker running the Republican Party? Because we're running out of non-supervillain explanations for their behavior."
Savannah Mayor Van Johnson tweeted, "It is officially official. Governor Kemp does not give a damn about us. Every man and woman for himself/herself. Ignore the science and survive the best you can. In #Savannah, we will continue to keep the faith and follow the science. Masks will continue to be available!"