With more than 18,900 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and a death toll of 733, Georgia Governor Brain Kemp plans to reopen the state with some restrictions.
Kemp said in his Monday press briefing that gyms, bowling alleys, hair salons, barbershops, and nail salons could reopen statewide on Friday. Kemp added he’ll allow elective surgeries to take place as well.
With strict social-distancing guidelines, some restaurants and movie theatres will be able to resume operations, as well.
Georgia’s statewide stay-home-order will expire April 30, and the vulnerable population and the elderly will remain under the stay-home-order until May 13.
Churches and other places of worship are allowed to hold services within the social-distancing guidelines.
According to Kemp, the Georgia Department of Public Health is seeing a decrease in COVID-19 cases and a decline of people being hospitalized for COVID.
Kemp also announced an app to help with the testing process. With the app, people who believe they have the virus will be able to see their test status within 72 hours.
The Atlanta Public Schools system has shut down two of its food distribution centers after employees tested positive for COVID-19.
Kemp’s said with the state reopening; he’s expecting the COVID-19 cases to increase. But he believes that the state medical system will be able to handle the surge in cases with the increase of hospital capacity.
