Businesses starting to reopen today in Georgia
ATLANTA - A number of Georgia businesses that have been shut down since the coronavirus started to spread are reopening Friday. This is the first step in Governor Brian Kemp's plan to get the state's economy moving again.
Gyms, salons, barbershops, bowling alleys, and tattoo parlors can now start doing business again. Restaurants and movie theaters will be allowed to reopen on Monday.
Bars, nightclubs, and amusement parks will remain closed until further notice.
RELATED: Movie theaters, bowling alleys react to governor’s plan to reopen
The governor said he consulted with scientific experts as well as members of the business community about a staggered opening. He called for social distancing and other steps to be taken.
MORE: Restaurants, other businesses to reopen in Georgia amid COVID-19 fight
Following the governor's announcement this week to reopen Georgia, President Donald Trump expressed concerns over Kemp's plan.
"I wasn't happy with Brian Kemp," President Trump said during his daily briefing Thursday afternoon. "I don't want this thing to flare up because you're deciding to do something that is not in the guidelines."
Trump reiterated his disagreement of the governor with a tweet Friday morning, but also seemed to back track on his criticism of the decision.
"I (or @VP) never gave Governor Brian Kemp an OK on those few businesses outside of the Guidelines. FAKE NEWS! Spas, beauty salons, tattoo parlors, & barber shops should take a little slower path, but I told the Governor to do what is right for the great people of Georgia (& USA)!," the tweet reads.
The president's disapproval of Kemp's decision has made things tougher for many business owners, workers, and customers, with many second-guessing their plans to reopen.
MORE: Restaurant owners weigh public concerns as they determine when and how to reopen
However, while some business owners are hesitant, others are taking advantage of the governor lifting the shelter in place order. FOX 5 spoke with several businesses putting precautions in place to keep employees and customers safe, such as Salon Gloss in Woodstock. The salon, which has been closed for five weeks, plans to take the temperature of each customer, give them hand sanitizer followed by a mask and gloves.
MORE: Woodstock salon reviews new safety procedures on eve of reopening
Georgia coronavirus cases have risen past 21,000 and unemployment claims for another 244,000 Georgia workers were processed last week.
LATEST NUMBERS: Click here to view the latest coronavirus numbers for Georgia