Trump disagrees ‘strongly’ with Kemp’s decision to reopen businesses amid COVID-19
President Donald Trump told reporters Wednesday during a press conference that he did not agree with Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp’s decision to re-open gyms, bowling alleys and other businesses that were shuttered due to the novel coronavirus.
“I told the governor of Georgia, Brian Kemp, that I disagree strongly with his decision to open certain facilities which are in violation of (federal guidelines),” Trump said. “At the same time, he must do what he thinks is right. I want him to do what he thinks is right.
“It’s just too soon. I think it’s too soon,” Trump added. “They can wait just a little bit longer. Safety has to predominate.”
Guidelines from the Trump administration propose that states meet certain criteria before social distancing and other restrictions are eased. They are:
A 14-day downward trajectory of reports for influenza-like illness and COVID-like symptoms.
Positive tests account for a smaller portion of the total number of tests conducted over a 14-day period or a downward trajectory in new cases over a 14-day period.
The ability to treat all patients without crisis care or a robust testing program in place for at-risk health care workers, including antibody testing.
Trump’s criticism comes one day after the president called Kemp a “very capable man” who “knows what he’s doing,” The Associated Press reports. Just days ago, Trump also urged the democrat-led states of Minnesota, Michigan and Virginia to “liberate” themselves in an apparent criticism of their coronavirus restrictions.
Kemp announced Monday that these businesses will be allowed to reopen for “baseline operations” Friday. The entities must ensure strict social distancing, sanitize regularly and adhere to other guidelines:
- gyms
- bowling alleys
- nail care artists
- tattoo shops
- beauticians
- barbers
- massage therapists
- training schools dedicated to those professions
Theaters, private social clubs and dine-in services at restaurants will re-open April 27. Bars, nightclubs, live performance venues and amusement parks will remain closed.
When Kemp and state health commissioner Kathleen Toomey made the announcement Monday, they told reporters that they were on track to meet the federal re-opening guidelines.
“According to the Department of Public Health, reports of emergency room visits for flu-like illnesses are declining, documented COVID-19 cases have flattened and appear to be declining, and we have seen declining emergency room visits in general,” Kemp said.
Following the president’s comments, Kemp tweeted a statement Wednesday night acknowledging their previous conversation, saying he appreciated Trump’s “bold leadership” and felt confident that business owners who chose to reopen would follow the guidelines.
As of noon Thursday, Georgia has 21,512 confirmed coronavirus cases and 872 deaths
This story was originally published April 22, 2020 at 7:08 PM with the headline "Trump disagrees ‘strongly’ with Kemp’s decision to reopen businesses amid COVID-19."