Georgia Governor sues mayor of state capital over masks demand

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp on Thursday July 16 sued Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms and City Council members for their demands to wear masks and strengthen social distance measures during a coronavirus pandemic. This happened shortly after a new surge in the incidence was recorded in the state and city, writes CBS News.

Photo: Shutterstock

According to the state health department, on July 16, 3441 new cases of coronavirus were reported in Georgia, as well as 13 deaths and 244 hospitalizations.

The governor said the city's recent orders "were more restrictive" than his own orders and Bottoms "exceeded her authority." Kemp wrote on Twitter that he is filing the lawsuit "on behalf of Atlanta business owners and their hardworking employees who are struggling to survive during these difficult times."

“These men and women are doing everything they can to put food on the table for their families while local elected officials close businesses and undermine economic growth,” Kemp wrote. “I refuse to sit idly by and watch disastrous policies threaten the lives and livelihoods of our citizens.” We will fight to stop these reckless actions and put people before pandemic politics.”

In the lawsuit, Kemp emphasizes that Bottoms' recent orders create "uncertainty for citizens and businesses" in Atlanta. The statement also said some restaurants closed because the owners believed it was "necessary to avoid enforcement action by the city."

It also said that enforcing mask-wearing and social distancing would result in “immediate and irreparable harm” to people. It also notes that the City Council “does not have the authority” to pass ordinances that conflict with the governor’s orders.

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Georgia Attorney General Christopher Carr tweeted that the trial was "about the rule of law."

“The Constitution gives @GovKemp [Governor Kemp] the chief executive power of the state, including during a public health emergency. @CityofAtlanta [Atlanta officials] cannot continue to knowingly impose unenforceable orders,” Carr tweeted.

On Wednesday, July 15, Kemp explicitly forbade the authorities of Georgia’s cities and counties to require people to wear masks in public, despite the increase in coronavirus infections in the state. At least 15 local governments in the state, including the authorities of Atlanta, Augusta, and the governor's hometown of Athens Clark, introduced a requirement to wear masks after Kemp focused on encouraging people to do so voluntarily.

Kemp banned meetings of more than 50 people and declared a state of emergency until at least August 11th.

By order of the mayor of Atlanta, all persons under the jurisdiction of Atlanta and Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, with the exception of those who are the explicit exception (including children under 10 years of age), must wear a mask or face mask in public places. The order also prohibits meetings of more than 10 people in Atlanta property territories, with the exception of private enterprises or institutions.

Three counties — DeKalb, Fulton and Gwinnett — have more than a quarter of the state's coronavirus cases, with more than 33 cases combined, according to Georgia Department of Health officials.

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Keisha Lance herself recently received a positive coronavirus test result.

“My family and I were among the 106 thousand people who tested positive for COVID-19. Meanwhile, @GovKemp [Governor Kemp] is suing me over masks. Better use taxpayer money to expand testing and contact tracing,” Bottoms tweeted July 16.

In another tweet, she emphasized that the order for which Kemp is prosecuting her is the "Recommended Guidelines" as part of the first phase of the city's exit from lockdown plans.

On Tuesday, July 14, a representative of the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) called on residents to wear masks, as studies show that they help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

“We are not defenseless against COVID-19,” CDC Director Dr. Robert Redfield said in a press release. “Cloth face coverings are one of the most powerful tools we have to slow and stop the spread of the virus, especially if everyone does it.” Every American has a responsibility to protect themselves, their families and their communities.”

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