Gov. Brian Kemp has extended COVID-19 restrictions for the State of Georgia through Oct. 31.

The extension of his executive order makes no significant changes to previous orders, which requires social distancing; bans gatherings of more than 50 people unless there is six feet between each person; specific rules for restaurants, salons and other businesses; and requires sheltering in place for those in long-term care facilities and the medically fragile.

 The public health emergency remains in place until Nov. 9.

The governor’s executive orders are available to be read here.

Collin Kelley is the executive editor of Atlanta Intown, Georgia Voice, and the Rough Draft newsletter. He has been a journalist for nearly four decades and is also an award-winning poet and novelist.