ST. MARYS, Ga. — Georgia is now one of the first states in the country allowing some businesses to open during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Action News Jax first reported Friday that nail salons, gyms, barber shops, tattoo parlors, massage parlors, bowling alleys and other beauty and health venues were allowed to open doors.
It's day 2 for some #Georgia businesses re-opening doors after being closed due to #COVID19 concerns. It's a move some call controversial, even @realDonaldTrump. #NEW on @ActionNewsJax at 7, how some businesses are keeping you safe while others border on breaking the rules pic.twitter.com/wLjpSr0o5n
— Meghan Moriarty (@MeghanANjax) April 25, 2020
Starting Monday, dine-in restaurants and move theaters will get the green light, too, but until then it’s curbside or delivery only.
Highway 55 Burgers Shakes and Fries is spending the weekend prepping to reopen, while still filling takeout orders. Jeremy Bond is the area developer for the restaurant.
He said he and his employees spent the last month switching over to takeout only, just to be told that they can now have dine-in service, too.
“It’s a big change for us,” Bond said.
About 90% of their revenue came from dine-in orders, previously. Gov. Brian Kemp announced Monday that some businesses in Georgia could reopen, aftermany were closed due to concerns over the coronavirus. His decision came with some pushback from local and state leaders, including President Donald Trump.
“I saw both sides of it,” Bond said. “I don’t know that anybody has the right to say it’s a good idea, because no one knows.”
Kemp’s order comes with some strict restrictions:
- No more than 10 people per 500 square feet
- All employees must wear face masks
- Must limit contact
- No salad bars/buffet service
- Use rolled silverware
- Sanitize everything
- No self-serve drinks
- Six feet between parties
- No more than six people per table
Action News Jax reached out to Kemp’s office Thursday and Friday, asking how he plans to enforce these rules. We have yet to receive a response. Bond says he plans to do a soft opening Monday.
“We’re going to have it [signs] sitting on the table, just let them know that you can’t sit here, that you got eight-foot radius over here,” Bond said.
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Bond said his employees will also be wearing masks. They already wear gloves and constantly sanitize. Anyone not comfortable working does not have to, and will not lose their job.
Bond is even encouraging more curbside and pickup. While the limitations make things different, Bond said he’s just hoping everyone acts smart. Movie theaters will also be allowed to open, as well.
They also have a set of restrictions:
- Only six parties of six people maximum with all parties seated six feet apart
- Put tape on the floors at ticket counters and concessions to guide people
- No playgrounds or arcade games are to be open
- No hosting parties
All businesses must:
- Increase sanitation
- Screen employees for fever or illness
- Implement telework or staggered shifts as much as possible
- Prohibit handshakes
- Enforce social distancing
- Increase workspace to six feet between employees
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