On April 20, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp laid out his initial plan to reopen the state’s’s economy. His plan calls for a gradual economic reopening with an increased focus on testing across the state, which will be done in concert with the three phase plan outlined by the Trump administration. 

Phase 1 of Georgia’s Economic Reopening

While the state’s shelter in place order remains active until 11:59 pm on April 30, here are highlights of the reopening plan:

• Effective immediately, elective surgeries are deemed essential and now permitted to resume statewide 
• Effective April 24, all gyms, fitness centers, hair salons and designers, nail salons, massage therapists, bowling alleys, body art studios, barbers, cosmetologists and their schools can reopen statewide; contingent upon strict adherence to social distancing guidelines and screening workers for fever and illness
• Effective April 27, movie theaters, private social clubs and restaurant dine-in service will be allowed to reopen while adhering to social distancing guidelines and screening workers for fever and illness 
• All bars, nightclubs, amusement parks, music, and event venues will remain closed for the time being 
• In-person religious services are now allowed under strict social distancing protocols

Screening, Testing, Prevention

The state of Georgia has partnered with Augusta University Health System, Inc. in the development of a telemedicine screening app for smart phones. Through this app, physicians and advanced practice providers are available for questions and screening 24/7 for those who feel as though they may have contracted COVID-19. 

The app can be downloaded in the app store under “auhealthexpresscare,” or those interested can get more information by calling 706-721-1852.