Gov. Kemp's Shelter in Place Executive Order: Restaurant Q&A

Yesterday, April 2, 2020, Governor Brian Kemp issued a shelter in place executive order for the state of Georgia.

How long is the order in effect?

The order goes into effect 6:00 PM today, April 3, 2020 and ends 11:59 PM on Monday, April 13, 2020.

What does the order say about restaurants?

Dine-in services at restaurants & private social clubs must cease in-person operations or close to the public.

Restaurants are considered "critical infrastructure" and can still offer take-out, curbside pick-up, and delivery services.

Dine-in services at hospitals, healthcare facilities, nursing homes, or other long-term care facilities are allowed.

Are drive-through services allowed?

Yes.

Are patrons allowed to wait inside for to-go orders?

Yes, however you must limit the amount of people (not including staff) to 10 with at least 6 feet between each person.

Are there any special rules for restaurants?

Yes. If a restaurant chooses to offer take-out, curbside pick-up, and/or delivery, it is mandatory they implement processes that mitigate the exposure of the novel coronavirus to their employees and patrons.

Examples of such processes may include but are not limited to:

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 (PPE) as available and appropriate to the function and location of the worker within the business location;

6. Prohibiting group gatherings of workers during working hours;

7. Permitting workers to take breaks and lunch outside, in their office or personal work space, 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. Providing disinfectant and sanitation products for workers to clean their work space, equipment, and tools;

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

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

16. 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.