January 2022 Newsletter

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Georgia General Assembly Convened January 10th

“In the event that a Member experiences any of these symptoms [listed below] after the start of the 2022 Legislative Session, he or she should immediately leave the Capitol Complex (if present there) and should not return to the Capitol Complex until they have visited a doctor and received clearance to return.”
– Georgia House of Representatives
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Cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, fever, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, new loss of taste or smell

COVID-19 Requirements for the Capitol Complex

  • Members of the House Representatives were tested January 5th at the Capitol, while testing at other locations must have been done by Friday January 7th.
    House Staff were tested at the Capitol on January 5th.
  • Test results were sent to Human Resources Director Donald Cronin by January 10th.
  • The Speaker may remove from the House Chamber and Gallery those refusing to comply.
  • Masks must be worn by House Members and staff when in the House Chamber or Gallery.
  • Members, staff and public attendees must wear masks to enter committee meetings.
  • Committee and sub-committee meetings are live-streamed where technology is available.
  • Members who wish to participate virtually must give a 24-hour notice.
  • Public attendees of committee meetings must register name, address and contact numbers.
  • Registration lists may be used for contact-tracing when COVID-19 infection emerges.
  • Social distancing in the House requires 15 representatives to be seated in the Gallery.
  • Specifically programmed tablets allow members in the Gallery to vote, etc.
  • Food brought in must be covered in single-portion containers or individually wrapped.
  • Masks are encouraged for Members and staff, except when ingesting food or beverages.
  • Monday and Thursday are the twice-weekly test days. Except for the second week, testing will be on Tuesday and Thursday, after MLKJr holiday is observed Monday January 17th.

Capitol Complex Changes for Visitors and Volunteers

  • Entry into the Capitol is limited to approximately 800 visitors at any given time.
  • Capitol complex meeting spaces cannot be reserved for use by outside groups.
  • Vending machines for food and beverages are available on the first floor of the Capitol.
  • Masks are encouraged but not mandatory for entry into the Capitol.
  • There is no “rope line” or pages to allow prompt in-person communication with legislators.
  • Communication with legislators is available by appointment, but not by casual approach.
  • Black curtains restrict public access to the corridor outside the Chambers.
  • The Gallery is not accessible to the public and its corridor is not open to the public.
  • Personal aides and staff not paid by the House are not allowed to work in House offices.
  • A personal aid or chief of staff must work remotely or from public spaces in the Capitol.
  • To read the rest of this newsletter in PDF format, please click here.