Governor Brian Kemp declared, “Georgia is open for business” as his executive order removing most statewide restrictions takes effect today, Thursday, April 8.
Beginning today, Georgia restaurant tables can be a little closer, more people can get together and vulnerable residents are no longer supposed to stay home as Gov. Brian Kemp loosens COVID-19 restrictions.
Kemp said that it’s part of an effort to show that “Georgia is open for business.” He made the announcement last week rolling back most of the restrictions put in place a year ago.
For example, restaurant tables will now be required to be only 3.5 feet apart instead of the previous 6 feet. People in movie theaters can sit closer, and there’s no longer a 50-person limit on gatherings when people are closer than 6 feet, which could allow larger indoor concerts and conventions.
Currently, with limited seating spaced far apart outside and inside, plus with a robust take-out service, Owner Julian Sery said Wednesday that business is recovering just fine the way it is. “We probably will keep the restrictions in place for a little longer,” Sery said, “until we feel everybody can be safe. We want our customers to feel safe when they come here. So we’ll see how the vaccine goes and how people, the customers, react to the changes, and we’ll make a decision from there.”
“As cases and hospitalizations have continued to decline, and more Georgians are being vaccinated, the Governor is continuing to protect lives and livelihoods by repealing remaining restrictions to help Georgians get back to normal,” Kemp said in a statement.
Kemp has said loosening the rules is a crucial step to returning to “normal life” and to help struggling businesses survive. It’s time, he said, pointing to the declining number of new infections from the winter peak and the increasing number of Georgians —2.9 million as of Wednesday — who have secured at least one dose of vaccine.
So far, more than 19,000 Georgians have died from COVID-19.
Some business owners say they don’t intend to change much for now.
“It’s very difficult, because I’m not getting that opportunity to make that revenue. And on the other side, you know, it’s the safety issue. So, you know, I’m in the, I gotta be honest, I’m in the middle,” said Houcke’s Grille, in Canton, general manager Scott Spilberg.
But others said they appreciate the flexibility.
The owner of Table and Main restaurant in Roswell, Ryan Pernice, said revenues are off by about 50% over pre-pandemic levels. “For me, the governor’s order gives us more flexibility as patrons and guests to determine which business meets me where I’m at on my own comfort level,” Pernice said.
The changes, statewide, as of Thursday include:
Service employees must still wear masks, for example.
Even with the new executive order in place, the governor is still urging people to continue to wear masks and practice social distancing.
By subscribing, you consent to receive emails from BlackDoctor.com. You may unsubscribe at any time. Privacy Policy & Terms of Service.
