Coronavirus Updates: More Ways For Georgians To Go Outside As COVID-19 Rules Ease
A sign asked people to maintain social distance as they enjoy the warm weather on the Beltline in Atlanta’s Inman Park neighborhood Friday, May 1, 2020. Georgia shelter in place order expired Thursday and was not renewed for most Georgians by Gov. Brian Kemp.
John Bazemore / Associate Press
Georgians are increasingly regaining access to outdoor spaces as COVID-19 restrictions continue to ease, even as some officials continue to express concern that the decrease in restrictions is poorly planned.
The state has now passed 34,000 confirmed cases of the coronavirus and has had at least 1,444 confirmed deaths from the resulting COVID-19 respiratory illness, according to figures published Monday at 7 p.m. by the state Department of Public Health.
This was the first weekend that people could set up tents, chairs, and umbrellas on beaches, and some on Tybee Island were eager to take advantage of the new freedoms.
“It seems like a lot of people are kind of excited to finally get out and get some sun,” said beachgoer Riley Monaghan told WTOC-TV. “It’s been hard the last few weeks. Be cautious still. Still try to remain a good distance, keep the distance. That’s still important.”
Most beach access points and parking lots on Tybee Island were open, although a section of the pier remained closed.
Beginning Monday, visitors can return to trails and some parking areas at Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area in metro Atlanta and the Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield. Visitor centers and restrooms remain closed.
On Thursday, the Chattahoochee and Oconee National Forests in northern and central Georgia reopened some trails and dispersed recreation areas, although the Appalachian Trail and its access points remain closed. Cumberland Island National Seashore allowed people to return to beaches by private boat beginning May 2.
Some continue to express unease with decreases in restrictions, with Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms on Sunday telling CNN that “we will see over the next couple of weeks what this massive health experiment, what the results are in our state.”
Bottoms said the offices of many large corporations remain closed, but that others are being forced to go back to work to retain their jobs and health insurance. She expressed concern over “erratic leadership from the White House” saying the approach needs to be more thoughtful.
“I don’t think the way to reopen up Georgia and stimulate the economy is to send the people out who can least afford to get sick,” she said.
ATLANTA AREA PARK TRAILS REOPEN AMID THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC
Trails at two Atlanta area national parks reopened Monday amid an ongoing loosening of coronavirus restrictions in Georgia.
Visitors could access all trails and some parking areas at the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area and Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park and enter both parks for free.
Officials planned to keep a close eye for any crowds or other violations of public health guidance. Visitor centers and restrooms remained closed.
“We are expecting people to come out, but we do want to caution people to be careful,” Ann Honious, with the National Park Service, told WSB-TV.
EMORY UNIVERSITY HOLDS VIRTUAL COMMENCEMENT
While most Georgia colleges and universities have canceled graduation ceremonies, Emory University’s virtual commencement is happening today.
And even though students will turn their tassels and throw caps remotely, there are a few new elements to make graduates feel like they’re a part of a ceremony.
Emory officials said a new “Your Moment” site will allow students and families to post special memories and encouraging messages.
The site also features coverage of award presentations and student-generated content.
Visit Emory’s website to view the ceremony.
CORONAVIRUS SOLUTIONS HACKATHON TO AWARD WINNER
Georgia college students wrapping up a semester of Zoom learning and online graduation ceremonies have been given the chance to compete in a virtual hackathon.
The theme centered around presenting solutions to challenging problems brought-on by the coronavirus pandemic.
Officials said students have worked in teams over the weekend, and finalists are set to be selected on Monday.
Winning teams will get $10,000 and the opportunity to take their ideas through Georgia Tech’s Create-X startup program.
Scenarios include social distancing and mental health impacts, faulty personal protective equipment, and lack of accessible testing sites.
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