Georgia Bio Sends Governor Kemp Shelter in Place Exemption Language

On behalf of Georgia Bio and our members we asked Governor Kemp to consider shelter in place orders to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Georgia to allow biopharmaceutical and medical device and diagnostics companies and distributors to operate so that prescription drugs and medical supplies remain accessible to those who need them.

To effectuate this intent, “healthcare operations” is defined to include “companies and institutions involved in the research and development, manufacture, distribution, warehousing, and supplying of pharmaceuticals, biotechnology therapies, consumer health products, medical devices, diagnostics, equipment and services.” Below is language share with the Governors’s office of how this order can be written:

For purposes of this Order, individuals may leave their residence to work for or obtain services at any “Healthcare Operations” including hospitals, clinics, dentists, pharmacies, companies and institutions involved in the research and development, manufacture, distribution, warehousing, and supplying of pharmaceuticals, biotechnology therapies, consumer health products, medical devices, diagnostics, equipment, services and any other healthcare related supplies or services. This shall be broadly construed to include all other activities, supplies, and services required to maintain supply chain operations without disruption. “Healthcare Operations” does not include fitness and exercise gyms and similar facilities.

If Georgia issues a state-wide shelter in place order or provides guidance to local governments for shelter in place orders, we asked Governor Kemp include these provisions.

StandTogether | Georgia Life Sciences Institute - EPIC

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America's Biotech Leadership Depends on the States

By Maria Thacker Goethe • January 8, 2026
By: Patrick Plues | RealClearHealth January 8, 2026 For decades, America has led the global biotech industry – thanks, in part, to state-level policies that encourage research and manufacturing investments. But other countries, including China, are sparing no expense in the bid to overtake us. Beijing has officially made biotechnology a national strategic priority and is pouring billions into state-backed research and manufacturing efforts. All states should consider impactful biotech policies that grow and strengthen our domestic biotechnology industry. If states fail to utilize and replicate what are considered to be the best and most successful policies in biotech-focused economic development, the United States will soon lose its long-term leadership in developing medicines and medical technologies, which underpin our health, our economy, and our national security. Thankfully, many governors and state legislatures around the country are already answering this call -- as our new study, The U.S. Bioscience Industry: A Powerful Engine for State Economies, demonstrates. Keep Reading at https://www.realclearhealth.com/2026/01/08/americas_biotech_leadership_depends_on_the_states_1157584.html

GLS 2025 Year in Review

December 22, 2025
Dear Georgia Life Sciences Community, As we reflect on the past year, I want to extend my sincere thanks to our Georgia Life Sciences members for making it such an impactful one. Your engagement and leadership continue to move our industry forward and advance our shared strategic priorities— driving strong policy, expanding the talent pipeline, and creating intentional spaces for collaboration across Georgia’s life sciences ecosystem. Our Year in Review captures the progress we’ve made together across these priorities and highlights the collective impact our members are having statewide—from strengthening the workforce and supporting manufacturing growth to elevating Georgia’s position as a national life sciences leader. This progress is only possible because of the collaboration, commitment, and insight of our member community. 
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