Atlanta mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms has issued an executive order reinstating the citywide indoor mask mandate.

The new Omicron variant has caused a spike in COVID-19 cases that has resulted in the Atlanta mayor executing her emergency powers to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Masks are required to be worn inside all public buildings, including private businesses.

The executive order states, "Requiring the use of masks is a targeted response that can combat the threat to public health using the least restrictive means, and if people follow this requirement, more extreme measures may be avoided."

It also states that, "If the person violating this Order refuses or fails to comply with this Order after being given a warning pursuant to subparagraph (1) of this paragraph then such person may be subject to a civil penalty of not more than $25.00 on the first offense and not more than $50.00 on the second and any subsequent offenses."

“The CDC has designated Fulton and DeKalb counties as areas of high transmission for the COVID-19 virus. Given this recent surge across the Atlanta area, and based upon the counsel from public health professionals, I am reinstating the citywide mask mandate," said Mayor Bottoms. “We are watching the data daily and will continue to engage experts for guidance on how best to provide for the safety and wellbeing of our communities," said Mayor Bottoms in a statement.