Georgia Gov. Brian’s statewide shelter-in-place order is set to expire at midnight on Thursday, May 31 as local businesses continued to re-open.
Meanwhile, he has extended Georgia’s public health state of emergency through June 12, 2020. He is also ordering the elderly and medically fragile to shelter in place for now while the broader population is free from such measures.
When Will Georgia Bars Re-Open?
“I encourage all Georgians to continue to maintain social distancing, limit their travel, and use best practices,” he tweeted. “Gatherings of more than 10 people will not be allowed unless it is possible to maintain 6 feet of distance.”
I encourage all Georgians to continue to maintain social distancing, limit their travel, and use best practices. Gatherings of more than 10 people will not be allowed unless it is possible to maintain 6 feet of distance. Read the new Executive Order: https://t.co/foH4Y5kA4H pic.twitter.com/n5k5ihC2df
— Governor Brian P. Kemp (@GovKemp) April 30, 2020
Kemp has been defiant in the face of critics who have said that Georgia is risking the lives of its residents by trying to resume normal life amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Kemp posted on Twitter recently that Georgia was ready to ramp up COVID-19 testing as it re-opens.
“We have numerous testing sites, physicians, & tests. We just need more Georgians to participate,” he said. “If you are symptomatic or work on the frontlines, download the Augusta University ExpressCare app or call 706-721-1852 to schedule a free test. RT to spread the word!”
Today we are taking another measured step to protect the lives – and livelihoods – of all Georgians. We will continue to work around the clock to follow the data, heed the advice of public health officials, and keep Georgia families safe. pic.twitter.com/kPFjAfDApW
— Governor Brian P. Kemp (@GovKemp) April 30, 2020
Meanwhile, a recent virus spread simulation from a Harvard/MIT team shows a vicious plateau for Georgia. The team used data from the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center.
Explore the Harvard/MIT Georgia data HERE.
Also, Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms has been a vocal critic against Kemp’s plan to re-open Georgia, which is at odds with the data she is seeing.
Penning an opinion piece in The Atlantic, Lance Bottoms said, “The political reality is that we are a blue city in a red state, trying to balance public-health concerns in a diverse environment while getting our economy back on track as soon as possible.”
She added: “I am reminded that we cannot let racism divide our country and pit communities against each other. Last week I was attacked in ugly racial terms on my personal phone, with my children nearby, for speaking out on the side of science for the safety of our residents and businesses. Cowardice like this does not deter me. As the poet Audre Lorde said, “I am deliberate and afraid of nothing.” Remaining silent during this crisis will not protect us.”
"Simply because we have hospital beds and we are not at capacity does not mean we need to work to fill them up." – Mayor @KeishaBottoms discussing #COVID19 on @GMA. pic.twitter.com/sdwW3P2zDr
— City of Atlanta, GA (@CityofAtlanta) April 24, 2020
Atlantafi.com is bringing you the latest on the coronavirus pandemic, which has the state of Georgia and the city of Atlanta under a state of emergency. More definitive advice on health, please visit CDC.gov. Here are some helpful links:
