Some US governors move to reopen their states, though some local leaders are pushing back
April 21, 2020 / By Christina Maxouris and Jason Hanna, CNN
(CNN) – A fewstates are moving toward reopening their economies amid the coronavirus pandemic, but some local leaders don’t want their residents to go along — even as idled workers weigh the benefits of getting paychecks again.
In Georgia and South Carolina, Republican governors announced they’ll ease restrictions this week despite neither meeting White House recommendations of a two-week downward trend in cases before lifting measures in phases.
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, saying workers and business owners need relief, said businesses including bowling alleys, body art studios and hair and nail salons can reopen this week. Theaters and restaurants can reopen next week with social distancing restrictions.
Local governments can’t countermand the decision — but some mayors are asking their residents to stay home.
“I’m exhorting everybody in this community to continue to shelter in place,” Athens-Clarke County, Georgia, Mayor Kelly Girtztold CNN Tuesday, pointing toward the federal guidelines. “Do not reopen at this point. It’s not the time to do it.
“It’s like telling your quarterback, ‘We don’t have a helmet for you, we don’t have pads, but get out there on the field and just try not to get sacked,'” said Girtz, who’s identified as a Democrat, though Georgia municipal races tend to be nonpartisan.
In the Georgia city of Albany, with a relatively high number of cases, Mayor Bo Dorough wants the state to give him an exception so he can keep nonessential businesses closed to hinder the spread of the virus.
“(Our hospitals) remain at capacity,” Dorough said Tuesday.
