Georgia governor to drop lawsuit over Atlanta's mask mandate

Yes but: Kemp said he plans to instead sign an executive order over the weekend that will prevent municipal governments from ordering private businesses to require masks.

• The upcoming order is likely to override an executive order Kemp issued in July that barred cities and counties from making face masks mandatory in public.

What they're saying: “Unfortunately, the mayor has made it clear that she will not agree to a settlement that safeguards the rights of private property owners in Georgia,” Kemp said, according to AJC.

• “Given this stalemate in negotiations, we will address this issue in the next executive order. We will continue to protect the lives and livelihoods of all Georgians.”

The big picture: Kemp's withdrawal comes as the state reports increased coronavirus cases and deaths.

• Georgia reported 2,674 new confirmed cases, 202 hospitalizations and 83 new deaths on Thursday, according to the Georgia Department of Public Health.
• On Wednesday, the state reported 109 deaths — its second triple-digit day in a row.