Gov. Brian Kemp addressed the state Monday and began loosening restrictions on businesses he had ordered closed during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak in Georgia.
“This is a state operation right now,” Gilmer County Chairman Charlie Paris said. “The county has no discretion. We are not the ones making the decision.”
As of Tuesday, Gilmer County had 18 documented cases of coronavirus, according to the Georgia Department of Health website.
In the state, there were 19,881 documented cases, with 3,779 hospitalizations and 799 deaths.
Some of the businesses allowed to reopen subject to social distancing and enhanced sanitation are barbershops and beauty salons, massage therapists, gyms and workout facilities and bowling alleys. Guidelines are spelled out in the order which can be seen on the governor’s website under executive orders.
These businesses will be allowed to reopen April 24.
During his press conference, Gov. Kemp said it was up to the businesses to convince customers it was safe to return. In an example he said hair stylists may only allow one customer in at a time while others wait in their vehicles.
He suggested they wear gloves and masks and wipe down chairs after each use.
Gov. Kemp also allowed the reopening of restaurants and theaters subject to social distancing guidelines.
In addition, the governor said churches could begin in-person meetings using social distancing guidelines, although he said he would recommend they stick to parking lot and online services for the time being.
He did not lift the shelter in place order for the state.
“I was a little surprised,” said Paris. “But, he made it very clear that counties have no discretion in this.”
Uniformity is one reason for the statewide order. It reads that no jurisdiction can take any action which is more or less stringent than the governor’s order.
Paris said he will be talking to county employees about opening River Park, the Clear Creek ballfields and the golf course, all of which are county owned.
No decision has been made and the openings won’t coincide with the governor’s order.
At Rover Park, Paris said he may reopen the walking trail.
“Right now, I am not inclined to open the playground,” he said.
There are too many children in close contact when the playgrounds are open and it requires a lot of effort to keep the equipment sanitized.
“Basically, the governor gave us a lot of things we need to look into,” Paris said.