Kemp: Several businesses can reopen starting this week
ATLANTA (41NBC/WMGT) – Governor Brian Kemp announced Monday several businesses can start reopening this week.
“Gyms, fitness centers, bowling alleys, body art studios, barbers, cosmetologists, hair designers, nail care artists, estheticians (and their respective schools) and massage therapists can re-open their doors this Friday, April 24,” Kemp said in a briefing.
Theaters, private social clubs and restaurant dine-in services will be allowed to reopen on Monday, April 27, “subject to specific social distancing and sanitation mandates.”
“Bars, nightclubs, operators of amusement park rides and live performance venues will remain closed,” Kemp said. “In the days ahead, we will be evaluating the data and conferring with public health officials to determine the best course of action for those establishments.”
Kemp says the businesses allowed to reopen won’t be “business as usual.”
“Each of these entities will be subject to specific restrictions including adherence to the minimum basic operations, social distancing and regular sanitation,” Kemp said. “Minimum basic operations include but is not limited to screening workers for fever and respiratory illness, enhancing workplace sanitation, wearing gloves and masks as appropriate, separating work spaces by at least six feet and teleworking where at all possible and implementing staggered shifts.”
Church services
In-person church services are allowed under the White House’s Phase One guidelines (strict social distancing protocols). “Of course online, call-in and drive-in services remains a good option for religious institutions,” Kemp said.
Shelter-in-place order still in effect
“Today’s announcement is a small step forward and should be treated as such,” Kemp said.
Kemp says the state’s shelter-in-place order is still active through 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, April 30 “for most Georgians.”
Essential elective surgeries
Kemp also said he believes “Georgia is positioned to secure the necessary personal protective equipment for healthcare facilities to resume elective surgeries deemed essential.”
“Hospitals should continue discussions in their regions to ensure that patient safety – and the safety of their workforce – is prioritized,” Kemp said. “I applaud all of the hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, doctors’ offices, dentists’ offices, physical therapists, and healthcare professionals that answered the call of duty and voluntarily closed their doors. It is impossible for me to adequately express my gratitude. And to all of the Georgians who waited on getting an important procedure to allow us to get on the other side of the curve, thank you. Your sacrifice saved lives.”
Limit travel, wear masks if possible
Kemp urged Georgians to continue limiting travel and who goes with you on errands and asked Georgians to wear a mask in public “if possible” to slow the spread of coronavirus.
Medically fragile, elderly Georgians
“For the medically fragile and elderly Georgians, make plans to shelter in place through May 13, the date Georgia’s Public Health Emergency expires,” Kemp said. “I continue to call on my fellow Georgians to protect our elderly, limit your direct contact, and help them navigate the weeks ahead. We’re helping my mom during this time to ensure that she doesn’t have to go out, and I urge Georgians to do the same for their loved ones if they’re able.”
The journey ahead
“While I am encouraged by the data, proud of what we have accomplished, and confident of our plan moving forward, I know that the journey ahead is long,” Kemp continued. “We must remain laser-focused on defeating this virus and keeping Georgians safe. We must find ways to revitalize communities devastated by COVID-19. We must identify opportunities for economic growth and prosperity.”
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