Key Takeaways

• The government of Georgia restricted all businesses from organizing or hosting indoor conventions or events that had more than 100 people in attendance for more than one day.
• Gatherings of more than 50 persons were allowed subject to a 6 feet social distancing requirement between each person.
• Businesses were also restricted from allowing workers or guests/patrons who show COVID-19 symptoms from reporting to work or entering their premises.
• Almost all restrictions and requirements that were imposed on lodging facilities and businesses in general in Georgia were lifted on April 8, 2021.

Introduction

Government Restrictions in Georgia that Applied to Overnight Lodging Facilities

• The Georgia government restricted all businesses from organizing or hosting indoor conventions or events that had more than 100 people in attendance for more than one day.
• Gatherings of more than 50 persons were allowed subject to a 6 feet social distancing requirement between each person.
• Businesses were also required to prohibit congregating between non-cohabitating guests, especially in pools.
• They were also required to prohibit unnecessary visitors to guests in their facility as well as prohibit or limit contact between guests or group of guests in their facilities.
• Businesses were also restricted from allowing workers who show COVID-19 symptoms from reporting to work. If the worker starts exhibiting symptoms during work, the operator was required to send the worker home to seek medical attention.
• The government also required facilities to screen their workers regularly for COVID-19 and provide hand sanitizers for guests.
• Workers that serve or attend to patrons in a business establishment such as an overnight lodging facility were required to wear face coverings when interacting or attending to patrons. They were also required to sanitize spaces used by workers and guests regularly and wipe surfaces with disinfectant.
• Businesses were also restricted from allowing anyone with COVID-19 symptoms into their facility and were required to post signage informing patrons of it.
• Businesses that include bars must limit the total number of people inside the bar to 50 persons or "thirty-five percent ( 35%) of total listed fire capacity occupancy of the entire bar, whichever is greater."
• Government also required businesses to restrict the use of equipment that can't be sanitized regularly.
• Businesses were also required to "ensure their ventilation systems operate properly, in response to data showing that increased air circulation and purification reduce the spread of COVID-19."

Research Strategy