Georgia

CORONAVIRUS: Summer camps, sports, nightclubs and bars will soon reopen in Georgia

Georgia — It’s closing time no longer for bars and nightclubs in Georgia.

Gov. Brian Kemp announced Wednesday nightlife can resume June 1.

To open their doors Monday, bars and nightclubs are required to comply with 39 mandatory strict safety and sanitation measures.

Those include screening workers for illness, limiting the number of people in the building to 25 people or 35% of total occupancy, only serving drinks to seated patrons or those in designated areas, and limiting party size to six, just to name a few.

The Bucket Bar in St. Marys, Ga. is a hole in the wall spot located near Kings Bay Base. The bar has been closed for nearly 10 weeks because of the coronavirus.

Owners Ann Marie and Michael Ott said it’s gone by painstakingly slow. “Just wondering if we’re going to make it because if we had to go much longer, we’d probably have to close,” Mr. Ott said.

The retired Navy veterans spent the time closed doing renovations and sanitizing the inside. The Otts said they can’t wait to reopen Monday. “We are just excited to see everybody. We can’t wait,” Mrs. Ott said.

Georgia Gov. Kemp also said in Wednesday’s news conference that he is renewing the state of emergency for Georgia until July 12.

Kemp said that this will continue needed partnerships and continue the flow of supplies needed.

He said that as businesses begin to reopen, everyone needs to be careful and continue to help slow the spread of COVID-19.

Kemp said that today he signed an executive order to extent safety precautions for summer camps, schools and pools.

He added that the say in-home order for people 65 years old and up plus anyone who is medically fragile is still in place until July 12.

Kemp is encouraging everyone to wear face masks when out in public.

Kemp said gatherings of more than 10 people are still banned unless they are 6 feet apart -- the number will go up to 25 people starting June 1 as long as everyone is practicing social distancing. This means small weddings and sporting events can go on with the practice of social distancing procedures.

Live performance venues are still closed at this time, but Kemp said the state is working with owners to help them.

Summer camps may open May 31st as long as they meet the criteria for reopening and operating.

June 1, bars and nightclubs can reopen as long as they meet 39 mandatory measures set up by the state. A few of these mandatory measures include: screening workers, limiting number of people to 25 individuals or 30% occupancy, regular sanitation procedures, drinks served to seated patrons only, limiting party sizes to 6 people and staff will need to prevent people from congregating together.

June 1, sports can begin operate under noncritical infrastructure organizations.

Summer school may start next month if the school follows all 11 mandated rules.

Amusement park rides, carnivals and fairs cannot start any operations until June 12. They will need to meet 33 mandatory requirements to operate.

Kemp is encouraging churches to continue to use online tools and drive-thru masses. He also is asking all Georgians to be careful and social distance. He added that no one should hold off on medical appointments.