@GovKemp just gave a press conference. I listened on NPR. My takes, a thread. 1/

He is suing the city of Atlanta for the mayor's recent orders. This is a horrible move that ended poorly twice with other governors. @GovKemp should know better. He is strongly recommending masks but at the same time openly declaring masks cannot be mandated over his order....2/

while at the same time mandating masks in USG institutions. The optics are poor, the concern for public health is poor. And he has a larger problem. COVID-19 is growing fast in Georgia and school is approaching. 3/

COVID-19 has been growing in GA since the June 13th change in phases of recovery. Since bars were opened, and restaurants allowed full capacity seating. Other areas close bars, have restaurants at 25% indoor capacity, drink service only with food. That is wise. 4/

Schools start two weeks from Monday. Many areas around the world have had large wave outbreaks from schools starting. It requires controlling COVID-19 in the community AND having good social distancing in schools. We do not have control over COVID-19 in the community. 5/

Opening schools in such a situation, when hospitals are already stressed but not disastrous, will likely throw them over the edge. We will have to shutdown electives, and deny care to people because ICUs are too full. It is coming. At the current pace, we are 2-3 weeks away. 6/

Testing is also strained in Georgia. We now have 7-10 days from test scheduling until results. We have a 15% test positivity and growing (was 4.3% at the last phase of recovery). That long latency is more problematic than the positivity. 7/

What should GA do? Close bars. Make restaurants 25% indoor seating, no drinks without ordering food. No gatherings over 10 people. Mask mandate. And postpone in person education for middle and high schools until the 2nd nine weeks. If we behave, that has a chance at working. 8/8