Governor Brian Kemp is lifting some restrictions to help Georgia gradually reopen the economy. During a media briefing Monday afternoon, Kemp is now allowing some elective surgeries to resume and several businesses around the state to starting serving customers again.
"Given the favorable data, enhanced testing, and approval of our healthcare professionals, we will allow gyms, fitness centers, bowling alleys, body art studios, barbers, cosmetologists, hair designers, nail care artists, estheticians, their respective schools, and massage therapists to reopen their doors this Friday, April 24, 2020,” Kemp said.
The reopening does not mean they will be able to operate ‘business as usual.’ They will have to follow certain guidelines and restrictions.
That measure does not include bars, nightclubs, amusement parks and live performance venues, which will remain closed.
Kemp said the measure supersedes any orders by local municipalities.
"This measure will apply statewide and will be the operational standard in all jurisdictions. This means local action cannot be taken that is more or less restrictive.”
The governor mentioned a list of standards the reopened facilities may have to follow.
“Each of these entities will be subject to specific restrictions, including adherence to Minimum Basic Operations, social distancing, and regular sanitation,” according to Kemp. “Minimum Basic Operations includes, but is not limited to, screening workers for fever and respiratory illness, enhancing workplace sanitation, wearing masks and gloves if appropriate, separating workspaces by at least six feet, teleworking where at all possible, and implementing staggered shifts.”
