Georgia Governor Opens Beaches One Day After Issuing Statewide Stay-At-Home Order

On Thursday, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp issued a statewide stay-at-home order due to the spread of the Coronavirus.

Many of the beaches decided to close prior to the order being issued but according to WJCL, they are all superseded by Gov. Brian Kemp’s latest order.

All of the beaches reopened when the stay-at-home order went into effect at 6 p.m. Friday, according to an administrative order signed by the Department of Natural Resources Commissioner Mark Williams.

“The Governor’s Executive Order suspends the enforcement of any local ordinance or order adopted or issued since March 1, 2020, that relates to COVID-19,” Josh Hildebrandt, director of public and governmental affairs for DNR, stated. “This Executive Order thus lifted any local ordinances or orders that had closed or restricted access to Georgia beaches.”

Tybee Island State Representative Jesse Petrea stressed that he was not for the beach opening during the pandemic in a lengthy Facebook post.

“I understand that people are highly stressed now but the vitriol is unwarranted. At NO time have I advocated for ‘opening the beach.’”

Petrea stated that although the beaches are open, they will be practicing social distancing and congregating will not be allowed, according to Yahoo News.