Kemp Takes Steps to Re-Open Parts of Georgia’s Economy

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp announced that many small businesses will be allowed to open by the end of this week.

Kemp made the announcement in an afternoon press conference in Atlanta.

Gov. Kemp said the re-opening of these businesses (gyms, bowling alleys, salons, artists/tattoo, massage therapists, etc…) come with the implementation of changes to ensure sanitation mandates and social distancing. He said the decision to open businesses was due to the favorable data with the latest Covid-19 information and increased testing.

He said the decision to open many businesses depends on the state of Georgia’s ability to increase testing capacity that includes a screening app from Augusta University Health that will be expanding statewide.

Kemp says that anyone in the state will be able to download and use the app to get themselves screened for Covid-19 and if they are believed to have the virus, they can schedule a test at a nearby facility.

Gov. Kemp also said that dine-in restaurants and movie theaters would be allowed to reopen on Monday, April 27 with certain restrictions to be announced later this week.

He added bars, nightclubs, amusement parks, and concert venues would remain closed until further notice.

Georgia remains under the shelter-in-place order until April 30th.