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Tens of thousands of Georgia residents have bravely and relentlessly fought to reopen the state. The shelter-in-place order caused countless businesses across the state to shutter and prevented workers from earning a living.

Not long after the state's lockdown went into effect, Georgians banned together and started a Facebook group designed to reopen the state. Titled ReOpen Georgia, the group also planned a protest for Friday, April 24 to peacefully urge Gov. Brian Kemp to get the state's economy up and running again.

On Monday, Georgia residents learned that Gov. Kemp has heard the concerns of the state's residents. During an afternoon press conference, the Georgia governor confirmed that state businesses can resume operations as early as Friday, April 24 or Monday, April 27. Kemp also noted that the state's shelter-in-place order will expire on April 30.

The Return of Georgia's Businesses and Workers

Tens of thousands of Georgians are in agreement with Kemp's decision to ease restrictions. Those who disagree with the governor are more than welcome to stay home, but it's time for people who want to return to work to be able to do so. Lifting lockdowns is in no way forcing people out of their homes.

Per the governor's latest Executive Order, the following businesses are allowed to resume operations this Friday:

• Gyms
• Fitness centers
• Beauty shops
• Nail salons
• Hairdressers
• Barbershops
• Bowling alleys
• Body studios
• Massage therapists

On Monday, restaurants and movie theaters can reopen. All businesses are required to adhere to social distancing guidelines as much as possible and also engage in frequent sanitation of their facilities.

Will the Reopen Georgia Protest Still Happen?

Yesterday, Gov. Kemp confirmed that he has heard the concerns of the tens of thousands of Georgians who favor reopening the state. He also verified that testing, access to contact tracing, and room in hospitals contributed to this decision to reopen the state.

In light of Kemp's latest Executive Order, the Reopen Georgia protest will no longer commence on Friday. For Georgians who want this state to reopen, Monday marked a significant win. The shelter-in-place order will expire on the 30th and businesses can reopen beginning on the 24th or 27th.