Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp Defends Decision to Become the First State to Partially Reopen

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp (R) is standing by his decision to start partially reopening his state’s economy.

Kemp issued a series of tweets on Thursday evening explaining the reasoning behind his recommendation.

“For weeks now, my team has worked closely with the Trump Administration and our federal counterparts to mitigate the impact of in Georgia. Our decisions and direction are informed by data and public health recommendations,” Kemp wrote.

He went on to remind Americans the state is focused on protecting its citizens and is doing so by ensuring some businesses stay closed and preparing hospitals for a surge in coronavirus cases.

“We remain focused on protecting the lives – and livelihoods – of all Georgians,” Kemp wrote.

He added, “To slow the spread of and prepare for hospital surge capacity, we asked Georgians to shelter in place and closed specific businesses throughout our state.”

According to Kemp, businesses were met with restrictions in efforts to protect Georgia citizens.

“Most businesses remained open with restrictions to ensure community health and well-being,” Kemp wrote. “We were successful in our efforts to protect Georgians and our state’s healthcare infrastructure.”

He reiterated he is basing this decision off of data and approval from state health officials.

“Now, with favorable data and approval from state health officials, we are taking another measured step forward by opening shuttered businesses for limited operations,” Kemp wrote.

The governor added, “I know these hardworking Georgians will prioritize the safety of their employees and customers.”

Businesses set to reopen include gyms, hair salons, and tattoo parlors on Friday, as IJR reported.

President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence originally approved Kemp’s plan to lift restrictions.

Trump has since pivoted his stance on the matter, as IJR previously reported.

Kemp closed his series of tweets reminding Americans the nation will rebound from this pandemic.

“Together, we will weather this storm and emerge stronger than ever,” Kemp tweeted.