In a move to kickstart his state’s economy, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp announced that nonessential businesses can reopen and restaurants can serve dine-in customers once again .

 Theaters, private social clubs and restaurant dine-in services will return albeit with “specific social distancing and sanitation mandates.” Bars, nightclubs, amusement parks, and performance venues will remain closed. More information about guidelines will be released .

 Places of worship will be allowed to hold in-person services and essential elective surgeries will be allowed. 

“By taking this measured action, we will get Georgians back to work safely without undermining the progress that we have all made in the battle against COVID-19,” 

Kemp said the state is “on track to meeting phase one,” which calls for venues like restaurants and movie theaters to operate under “strict physical distancing protocols.”

“By expanding our hospital bed capacity—including the temporary facility at the Georgia World Congress Center—we have the ability to treat patients without crisis care in hospital settings. Our proactive actions have reduced stress and strain on area hospitals as well as the communities and families that they serve.”

Georgia’s shelter in place order remains in effect through the end of April. Although he is reopening businesses prior to April 30, Kemp asked citizens to limit travel and wear face masks when in public. The governor said the elderly and those with underlying conditions should be prepared to shelter in place until at least May 13