In addition to our normal news coverage, What Now Atlanta is tracking ways Atlanta’s businesses are adapting to the novel coronavirus and the challenges it brings to brick-and-mortars.

Bars, nightclubs, and live entertainment venues are going to have to sit tight a little longer before being given the green light to reopen.

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp at a press conference Tuesday announced he is extending the reopening timeline for those “non-essential” businesses from May 15 to May 31.

All non-essential Businesses were ordered to close at the beginning of April to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Bars, nightclubs, and live entertainment venues are the last to reopen.

“I know that this extension is difficult for many Georgia business owners and communities that have music venues,” Kemp said.

“However, we believe that waiting a little bit longer will enhance health outcomes and give folks the opportunity to prepare for safe reopening in the near future.”

Restaurants were able to start reopening dining rooms on Monday, April 27 so as long as owners followed 39 state-issued guidelines.

Barbershops, salons, and bowling alleys were among the first to be able to resurface as early as Friday, April 24.

Separate guidance was issued for those businesses.

A statewide shelter-in-place order expired at the end of April with the exception of Georgia’s “medically fragile” citizens which was extended through June 12.

[Editor’s note: The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is rapidly evolving as is its effect on Atlanta, and the City’s businesses and its residents. Click here for What Now Atlanta’s ongoing coverage of the crisis. For guidance and updates on the pandemic, please visit the C.D.C. website.]