THE STATE OF GEORGIA 
EXECUTIVE ORDER 
 
BY THE GOVERNOR: 
 
WHEREAS: WHEREAS: WHEREAS: WHEREAS: WHEREAS: 
WHEREAS: WHEREAS: 
WHEREAS: 
 
SCHOOL CLOSURES TO STOP SPREAD OF COVID-19 
On March 14, 2020, due to the impact of COVID-19 on the State of Georgia, I issued Executive Order 03.14.20.01, declaring a Public Health State of Emergency in Georgia; and 
The Georgia General Assembly concurred with Executive Order 03.14.20.01 by joint resolution on March 16, 2020; and 
The Georgia Department of Public Health has determined that COVID-19 is spreading through Georgia communities; and 
The number of COVID-19 cases in Georgia continues to rise; and 
Further action is necessary to protect the health and safety of the population of Georgia, slow the spread of COVID-19, reduce the number of people who will become infected, and avoid unnecessary strain on Georgia's healthcare system; and 
During a state of emergency, Georgia law vests the Governor with powers and duties as may be deemed necessary to promote and secure the safety and protection of the civilian population; and 
Code Section 38-3-51(d)(1) vests the Governor with the power to suspend any regulatory statute prescribing the procedures for conduct of state business, or the orders, rules, or regulations of any state agency, if strict compliance with any statute, order, rule, or regulation would in any way prevent, hinder, or delay necessary action in coping with the emergency or disaster; and 
In consultation with the Governor's Coronavirus Task Force and local, state, and federal education, health and emergency preparedness officials, I have determined that closing all elementary, secondary, and post-secondary public schools in Georgia is a necessary and appropriate action to protect the health, safety, and welfare of Georgia's residents and visitors to help control the spread of COVID-19 throughout this State. 
 
 ORDERED: ORDERED: 
 
Now, THEREFORE, PURSUANT TO CODE SECTION 38-3-51, AND 
THE AUTHORITY VESTED IN ME AS GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF GEORGIA, IT IS HEREBY 
That all public elementary, secondary, and post-secondary schools in Georgia close beginning Wednesday, March 18, 2020, and shall remain closed through Tuesday, March 31, 2020, unless extended beyond that date. 
IT IS FURTHER 
That the Georgia Department of Public Health and the Georgia Department of Education implement measures providing for the health, nutrition, safety, educational needs, and well-being of students during this mandated school closure period. 
This 16th day of March 2020. 
 
GOVERNOR