Some businesses reopen today, remember social distancing

April 24, 2020–6:20 a.m.

STAFF REPORTS

As businesses get ready to open back up today, public health officials are reminding the public that the fight against COVID-19 is far from over.

Logan Boss with Northwest Georgia Public Health said the next two weeks will be critical, but this is a long-term problem that we’re dealing with.

He said everyone should let their fears about COVID-19 be a catalyst for lifestyle changes needed to protect yourself as Georgia reopens for business.

“People need to understand that re-opening the state does not mean ‘safe’,” he said.  “A lot of people are going to get infected after we reopen the state and some of them are going to die, even if we do it exactly right.  If it’s done right though, COVID-19 will become a slow-moving pandemic instead of a fast-moving pandemic.  That’s a big improvement, but it’s nothing like safe.”

Vulnerable and at-risk populations such as the elderly and those with underlying health conditions need to continue to shelter in place.

For everyone else, stay at least six feet away from anyone else, avoid gatherings of 10 or more people, and continue to minimize non-essential travel.

Businesses allowed to reopen today include gyms, bowling alleys, tattoo parlors, barbershops, beauty salons, nail salons, estheticians, and massage therapists.

For Monday, April 27, restaurants and theaters may reopen (clubs and bars remain closed for the time being).

All businesses that reopen must implement measures to mitigate the exposure and spread of COVID-19.

The governor has released standards for restaurants who wish to reopen Monday.

You can read more from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Local Weather