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.

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