Georgia set to start reopening businesses Friday

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Governor Brian Kemp announced Georgia will be gradually reopening businesses starting this Friday (April 24), as some U.S. states look at relaxing their stay-at-home orders amid protests from supporters of President Trump anxious to get back to work.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) GEORGIA GOVERNOR BRIAN KEMP, SAYING:

"We will allow gyms, fitness centers, bowling alleys, body art studios, barbers, cosmetologist, hair designers, nail care artist, estheticians and their respective schools, and massage therapist to reopen their doors this Friday April 24th."

Georgia is among several states with Republican governors who are said to be working with each other on the phased reopening of their economies.

That's according to a report in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Monday (April 20).

But Kemp said the state would not be business as usual for all establishments, adding that bars and nightclubs would remain closed.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) GEORGIA GOVERNOR BRIAN KEMP, SAYING:

"Each of these entities will be subject to strict specific restrictions, including adherence to the minimum basic operations -- social distancing and regular santitation."

Several other states, including Ohio, Michigan, Texas and Florida, have said they are also aiming to reopen their economies, perhaps by May 1 or even sooner.

But health experts warn extensive testing and contact tracing must be available to avoid a second wave of infections as people go back to work.