DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson signed an executive order on Dec. 17, that will formally end the DeKalb’s COVID-19 emergency work plan for county offices and employees.
Beginning Jan. 5, 2026, all DeKalb County offices under the CEO’s supervision will be staffed in person during regular business hours. The requirement ensures that residents can consistently access services, ask questions, and receive assistance when visiting county facilities.
“This executive order marks an important step forward for DeKalb County,” Cochran-Johnson said in her announcement. “In-person service matters…Having staff present in our offices strengthens accountability, collaboration, and efficiency across county government and improves the experience for the people we serve.”
The formal mandate follows suit with a state-level directive earlier this year rescinding most existing hybrid/remote work. The City of Atlanta updated its remote work policy in April 2025 following changes at the federal level.
Though the order seeks to increase in-person staffing, hybrid work will be maintained in some cases. However, not all employees will be eligible for hybrid work. Approval for hybrid schedules, which would include three days in-office, must be approved at the department-level based on operational needs, performance, and service delivery.
DeKalb’s executive order also allows for face masks but does not require them in the absence of a public health emergency. The order sets clear expectations and accountability for authorized remote work and requires signed hybrid work agreements for employees. The mandate prohibits discrimination or retaliation related to remote work decisions.
“This approach recognizes what we learned during the pandemic,” Cochran-Johnson added. “Flexibility can benefit employees and the organization, but it must be balanced with our responsibility to be present, responsive, and effective.”
The entire executive order No 2025-8 can be viewed at this link.