Georgia, Tennessee and South Carolina have announced plans to reopen some businesses by May 1 or earlier after they were closed to stem the spread of coronavirus.
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp announced that barbershops, bowling alleys, gyms and tattoo parlors, among other businesses, would be allowed to reopen on Friday if they adhere to social-distancing and hygiene rules, and that dine-in restaurants and theaters could reopen with limitations on April 27.
In Tennessee, Gov. Bill Lee said Monday that he would not be extending his “safer-at-home” order, which is scheduled to expire on April 30. A “vast majority” of businesses will be allowed to reopen on May 1, his office said.
South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster allowed some businesses in that state to reopen Monday, just two weeks after they were ordered closed. South Carolina department stores, sporting goods stores and flea markets can reopen as well as stores selling furniture, books, music, flowers, clothing and accessories. Businesses will be allowed to open at 20% capacity, or five people per 1,000 square feet.
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