A growing number of Georgia cities require masks over Kemp’s objection

There’s a growing revolt among cities upset that Georgia isn’t doing enough to contain the coronavirus. And Gov. Brian Kemp isn’t yet doing anything to stop it. A week after Savannah became the first Georgia city to require the use of face masks, two other local governments joined their ranks. East Point lawmakers approved restrictions on Monday and officials in Kemp’s hometown of Athens followed suit on Tuesday. Several others have scheduled votes later this week.

The requirements could come into conflict with a statewide order from Kemp that “strongly encourages” – but does not mandate – the use of masks and bans local governments from enacting stricter or more lenient measure to fight the disease.Supporters of the restrictions say they’re unfazed by what could be a thorny legal challenge. They point to pleas from public health experts, the growing number of states with similar requirements and the surging number of coronavirus cases in Georgia, which passed the 100,000 mark on Tuesday.

“It’s unfortunate that local governments must defy the governor to protect our constituents, but he leaves us no option,” said Athens-Clarke County Commissioner Russell Edwards, who backs the proposal. “His refusal to mandate CDC guidelines for mask-wearing forces others to lead.” Kemp has called a statewide requirement a “bridge too far” and pursued a softer approach, including a “Wear A Mask” tour last week that touched down in seven Georgia cities over two days along with frequent warnings that college football season could be imperiled if his calls are ignored.