Atlanta Mayor Defies Governor, Doubles Down On City Mask Requirement

ATLANTA, Ga. (CW69 News at 10) -- Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms held a virtual press conference on Thursday July 16, 2020, while recovering from COVID-19, giving an update on her city mask requirement and other matters.

Despite Governor Brian Kemp's Executive Order banning cities and counties from requiring people to wear masks, Bottoms says Atlanta still has the authority to mandate them.

"Whatever the motivation is, at the end of the day, we all have to do the right thing," she said. "What experts are saying is wearing masks is the right thing to do."

When asked if she was concerned that the state may sue the city in response to this, she said she was not.

"I'll put our policies up against anyone any day of the week," said Bottoms.

As for business owners, she recommended they follow the recommended guidelines of requiring masks, saying it's not just her posture, but that of other mayors in Georgia as well.

Bottoms also discussed how her family tested positive for COVID-19, the rise in cases locally and nationally, recent police reform efforts, the workforce and other issues.

To watch the full briefing, click on the video.