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Political Rewind: As Many Coronavirus Restrictions Are Lifted, Is Georgia Really In The Clear?

Caption In this file photo, a sign near the Atlanta Beltline advices pedestrians to follow public safety guidance. Credit: Sam Bermas-Dawes, GPB News

Monday on Political Rewind: Recent data shows a slow in the spread of the virus in many states, including Georgia. Gov. Brian Kemp lifted many of the remaining pandemic restrictions placed on Georgia businesses including gyms, bars and restaurants. But is it too soon to relax public health guidelines?

The Atlanta City Council is considering whether to approve Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms’ executive order allowing outdoor events of up to 10,000 people. Colleges and universities across the state have yet to announce their plans for the fall semester.

Vaccine rates in the state continue to lag behind much of the nation. According to data from the Georgia Department of Public Health, around 25% of Georgians are fully vaccinated, while around 32% of the national population is fully vaccinated.

Meanwhile, a new Republican candidate is close to entering into the race for the Rev. Raphael Warnock's Senate seat. Former politics columnist Jim Galloway said Commissioner of Agriculture Gary Black will soon announce his candidacy.

Panelists:

Keren Landman — Physician, Epidemiologist and Journalist

Jim Galloway — Retired Columnist

Copyright 2021 Georgia Public Broadcasting

Bill Nigut has been a program host and producer at Georgia Public Broadcasting since November, 2013. He currently hosts “Two Way Street,” a show that features long-form conversations with authors, artists, chefs, scientists and other creative people who have fascinating stories to tell. He is host and producer of “Political Rewind,” a twice-weekly political roundtable show featuring some of Georgia’s best-informed insiders weighing in on the big state and national political stories.
Emilia Brock is a producer for GPB's program, "On Second Thought."
Sam joined the Political Rewind team in 2019. He graduated American University in 2015 with a degree in journalism and spent time in North Carolina as a reporter at WCHL in Chapel Hill.