Cobb issues emergency order amid variant fears
One of metro Atlanta's largest counties is now under an emergency order as fears mount over the omicron variant
As people prepare to gather for the holidays, one of metro Atlanta’s largest counties has issued an emergency order as the highly contagious omicron variant causes a spike in coronavirus cases in Georgia and across the country.
Cobb County Commission Chairwoman Lisa Cupid said Wednesday that she signed the emergency declaration after consulting with health officials. The county’s last emergency order ran from August to November, during the Delta surge.
This new order comes as the state reported its highest number of new cases so far during this new surge. Georgia added 5,796 new coronavirus cases on Wednesday, the highest single-day tally since September.
More of Cupid’s statement:
“Public Health officials warn me this variant is spreading at an alarming rate. The stress on our hospitals is increasing, and both public and private COVID testing facilities are overwhelmed. Even though this is just prior to Christmas, I wanted to act quickly to help slow the spread of this new variant in our community.”
The order activates the county’s emergency operations plan, allows public meetings to be held remotely and reimposes mask requirements inside county government buildings. It also encourages Cobb residents to get vaccinated and boosted, avoid large gatherings and wear masks when indoors.
However, the order does not impact:
Privately run businesses
Cobb schools, which are governed by the Cobb County Board of Education
Cobb County courts, which follow judicial orders
The order is set to run through January 22, 2022.