Washington
The U.S. state of Georgia, which reopened some non-essential businesses, is among the boldest states in the country to do so, and a number of other states are expected to follow suit despite great concerns over COVID-19.
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp has allowed some non-essential businesses, such as gyms, barbershops, hair salons and tattoo parlors, to reopen their doors from last Friday. In-person religious services can also resume this weekend, and restaurant dining rooms, theaters and some other businesses can reopen from Monday, according to the governor’s order.
As of Friday night, more than 22,000 people in Georgia have tested positive and about 900 have died from the virus, according to data from Johns Hopkins University. The state has not seen a 14-day downward trajectory in the rate of new confirmed COVID-19 cases, a benchmark set by the White House’s reopening guidelines.
Some salon and barbershop owners in the state said there will be no shortage of clients eager to support their businesses, while others said they will not reopen until they feel safe, local media reported.
“We lost graduations, proms and weddings,” said David Huynh, a nail salon owner in Savannah. “Already I see stores closing down permanently … A lot of people don’t realize if the nation stays shut down any longer, there will be severe consequences.”
Huynh on Friday had 60 appointments scheduled at his nail salon, which has been closed since last month, the Associated Press reported.—Xinhua