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.
Gov. Brian Kemp Monday during a press conference announced plans to begin reopening Georgia’s businesses starting with gyms, bowling alleys, salons, and some other indoor facilities as early as Friday, April 24.
“Due to favorable data and more testing, gyms, fitness centers, bowling alleys, body art studios, barbers, cosmetologists, hair designers, nail care artists, estheticians, their respective schools and massage therapists can reopen Friday, April 24 with Minimum Basic Operations,” Kemp’s office tweeted Monday.
The state’s “Minimum Basic Operations” includes, but is not limited to, screening workers for fever and respiratory illness, enhancing workplace sanitation, wearing masks and gloves if appropriate, separating workspaces by six feet, teleworking if possible and implementing staggered shifts.
Bars, nightclubs, operators of amusement park rides and live performance venues will remain closed.
Restauranteurs will be able to open their restaurant dining rooms shortly after on Monday, April 27, and theatres will be permitted to show flicks again.
“Subject to specific social distancing and sanitation mandates, theatres, private social clubs, and restaurant dine-in services, will be allowed to reopen on Monday, April 27,” another tweet confirmed.
“We’ll release more information in the next few days.”
These non-essential businesses in early-April were forced to temporarily close by state mandate, and the “shelter-in-place” order remains in effect through April 30 with an extension for the “medically fragile” through May 13.
Specifics of the reopening plan, expected to be released later in the week, are contingent on compliance with social distancing requirements and other safety standards, which will be shared alongside the reopening details.
Developing…
[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.]
