Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp says he’s heard the criticism from Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms about re-opening the state, but he’s confident even as deaths continue to rise due to the coronavirus pandemic.
“She’s working very hard like all elected officials are to protect their populations,” he said of Lance Bottoms. He added later, that he understands “where folks like the mayor and others may agree or disagree.”
Georgia Re-Opening: Everything You Want To Know
Georgia is one of many states that has committed to re-opening its businesses to revive its economy amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Here is everything you need to know about that.
Are Georgia Deaths Still Increasing?
Georgia’s deaths attributed to coronavirus continue to increase. The Georgia Department of Health has the official tally of deaths for the state. The New York Times has a Georgia death counter that shows the daily toll.
Even though deaths are still on the rise, Kemp believes that the state saw its peak in early April, according to the models he saw.
Why Is Georgia Re-Opening First?
Kemp told Fox News that by re-opening Georgia’s hair salons and bowling alleys, he is taking a calculated risk that he feels the state can handle. “This is a measured approach with a lot of different requirements and guidance that we’re going to be putting out,” he says.
He added: “I’m very confident of that step. It was done in conjunction with public health officials based on the data that we’re seeing in our state and the gateways to the phase 1 part of the president’s plan.”
Does The President Agree With Georgia Re-Opening?
Speaking of the president, In a White House briefing, President Trump reiterated that he disagreed with Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp’s plan to re-open the state.
More specifically, Trump isn’t opposed to Georgia re-opening, but the fact that it’s so soon.
“I went to [Dr.] Deborah [Birx[ and Dr. Fauci and other people and they weren’t thrilled about it,” Trump said about Kemp’s plan to re-opne. “And I told him very distinctly, ‘You do what you think is best,’” Trump said, “But if you ask me if I’m happy about it, I’m not happy about it and I’m not happy about Brian Kemp.”
Earlier, it was reported that Trump talked to Kemp ahead of time and expressed approval of his plan to re-open Georgia. After health officials pushed back, Trump changed his tune, slamming Kemp in the White House news conference.
What Are Critics Opposed To The Re-Opening Doing?
Some restaurants have refused to re-open, citing that not enough time has passed. And some people have began protesting on city streets.
Despite the flip, Kemp says he’s more worried about his state’s businesses than any flak from others.
“I got some people protesting because I took this step, and I got others protesting me because they think I didn’t go far enough.”
See Kemp’s interview with Fox News here:
Meanwhile, Lance Bottoms is firm in telling Atlantans not to go out, despite the fact that Kemp’s executive order trumps her local laws.
How Does The Atlanta Mayor Feel About Georgia Re-Opening?
“We are not on the other side of this,” Lance Bottoms told CNN. “We will never get to the light until we do what we’ve done thus far, which is to continue to socially isolate from one another.”
She added: “It’s a very confusing time for people, but the one thing where the messaging has been very clear, is to stay home to save lives.”
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:
- ATLANTA CORONAVIRUS GUIDE: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
- How To Get Tested For COVID-19 In Atlanta
- Social Distancing Guide: How To Do It
- COVID-9 Protection: How To Make a Face And Face Covering
- Georgia Lockdown & Re-Opening: Everything You Need To Know