On Monday, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp announced plans to reopen the state’s economy by the end of this weekend.
He said many businesses in the state, which were closed to combat the spread of the new coronavirus, could reopen as early as Friday.
The state’s plans would allow hair salons, gyms, bowling alleys, and tattoo parlors to reopen unless owners follow good hygiene and strict social distancing. The plans also include the reopening of movie theaters and restaurants by Monday. Elective surgical procedures would also resume.
However, many experts, including Dr. Anthony Fauci, who is a member of Coronavirus Task Force, warned that such swift reopening plans could backfire and increase the risk of fresh spikes in the number of cases.
Kemp said it was important to allow some businesses to get some revenue flowing. However, he emphasized that businesses would still be operating under strict restrictions, including monitoring employee health, boosting sanitation, and separating workers.
The governor said, “I think this is the right approach at the right time. We’re not just throwing the keys back to these business owners. We’re talking about people (who had) the government shut down their business.”
Amusement parks, live performance venues, and bars will remain closed.
Some state officials, including Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, said Kemp is moving too quickly by reopening some businesses in Georgia.
Bottoms told ABC News, “It appears the governor’s order supersedes anything I can do as mayor, but I still have my voice and what I will continue to do is ask Atlantans to please stay at home.”
On Monday, Georgia had recorded six days of declining new COVID-19 infections and if that continues until Friday, it would be 10 days.
Kemp said he delayed the reopening of theaters and restaurants until Monday in part because he thinks that will give more time to flatten the curve.
The governor said a decline in ER visits by people with flu-like symptoms has indicated that infections are coming down.
After Kemp’s news conference, Public Health Commissioner Kathleen Toomey said, “The bottom line is, social distancing worked.”
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee also planned to reopen most businesses in the state by next week. He said officials were “working directly with our major metropolitan areas to ensure they are in a position to reopen as soon and safely as possible.”
Some businesses in Tennessee would reopen as early as April 27; however, it was unclear exactly which ones. Lee said he would be providing details later this week.
