The people of this great nation are restless, but this is no time to let ourselves be irked by our idle ways. We must remain diligent now more than ever, as the first wave of COVID-19 bears down upon us.
And yes, the phrasing of “first wave” was purposeful and proven. The 1918 Spanish Flu pandemic killed far, far more people during its resurgence than during its initial spread, and we are at risk of repeating this historical horror today should we choose to reopen the nation too early.
In Georgia, Governor Brian Kemp has stated that he would like to see some businesses in the Peach State reopening within 5 days. President Donald Trump is not keen on the idea, and let Kemp know it during a Wednesday press conference.
“I told the governor of Georgia, Brian Kemp, that I disagree strongly with his decision to open certain facilities,” Trump said at his daily coronavirus briefing Wednesday. “But at the same time, he must do what he thinks is right. I want him to do what he thinks is right. But I disagree with him on what he’s doing.”
Kemp tweeted after the president’s remarks that he appreciated Trump’s “bold leadership and insight during these difficult times,” but he didn’t back down. “Our next measured step is driven by data and guided by state public health officials. We will continue with this approach to protect the lives – and livelihoods – of all Georgians,” Kemp wrote.
Full coverage of the coronavirus outbreak
Trump said of Kemp’s plan: “I think spas, beauty salons and tattoo parlors and barbershops … it’s just too soon.”
“I love those people who use all those things,” Trump said, “but they can wait a little bit longer.”
“Safety has to predominate,” he added.
Several restaurants in Atlanta, the capital of Georgia, stated that they would not fully reopen as soon as Kemp allows, choosing instead to continue their limited curbside and takeout service until such a time as the CDC and the White House coronavirus task force give the go-ahead.
