Georgia Bars Reopen as Coronavirus cases Spike

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp signed a new executive order relating to the COVID -19 pandemic on June 11, 2020. Included in the order are new restrictions for restaurants and bars. Bars throughout Georgia under the newest safety guidelines will be allowed to have up to fifty patrons in an establishment as long as they maintain a six feet distance.

As Georgia’s numbers of confirmed COVID-19 cases continue to increase, many fear that these new safety guidelines may not be enough to keep Georgians safe. While others welcome the freedom to frequent their favorite bars and weekend hangouts. Although the new order encourages people to adhere to social distancing, wearing a mask inside of the bars is not mentioned.

Unlike bars, grocery stores offer floor markers for customers to maintain 6 feet of distance. They also have one-way isles to lessen customer’s contact with each other. e been serving their customers at the entrance door of the establishment. Wet Willies serves an array of frozen alcoholic daiquiris and is a local favorite.

Patron Raleigh Butler is a regular at the bar. “I appreciate that they are considerate of the public health issue, but still provide service to their customers”, he said.

Chatham County, GA saw a recent spike in confirmed COVID-19 cases reaching 616. When asked if he was worried about challenges with social distancing in bars, Butler remained optimistic.

“There are alot of people in the grocery stores on any given day. I think I am more at risk going there than to a bar”, he said.

Unlike bars, grocery stores offer floor markers for customers to maintain 6 feet of distance. They also have one-way isles to lessen customer’s contact with eachother.

Governor Kemp’s new order does not go into effect until June 16, 2020 at midnight. It will be a few weeks before results show if the new safety guidelines will be effective.