Georgians react with uneasiness as beaches reopen
Gov. Brian Kemp's statewide shelter-in-place order has removed some stricter conditions previously in place in Georgia cities — that includes the closure of beaches.
Friday night saw beaches around the state reopen after Kemp's order went into effect at 6 p.m.
» RELATED: Tybee Island mayor blasts governor's order that reopened beaches
Tybee Island Mayor Shirley Sessions said in a statement that she is “devastated” by the order and it seems Georgians are feeling similarly.
Some reacted with upset in their tweets.
If you thought it was bad that Florida kept the beaches open, imagine living in Georgia...
— Ms. Imani (@ImaniKushan) April 4, 2020
...where Kemp is REOPENING the beaches as our COVID-19 rates continue to climb by the hundreds daily. https://t.co/axtnyXHZky
They just open are beaches in Georgia. Stupid I say. See how long that last.
— iamjword (@TruGammer) April 4, 2020
You are putting all elderly and high risk residents of Georgia and the world at risk of death by opening beaches and keeping so many things open. Take advice from experts. Pay attention!
— GApoliticaljunkie (@GeorgiaPolitico) April 4, 2020
» RELATED: Shelter in place order: What it means for you and local businesses
Others, including state Sen. Sally Harrell, simply felt confusion and disbelief.
Georgia really open beaches back up? No way
— Bret M (@BretM23) April 4, 2020
Georgia's beaches are back open for spring break because our Governor issued a Shelter-in-Place Order. Huh?
— Sally Harrell GA SD-40 (@sallyharrellga) April 4, 2020
I’m feeling very perplexed. @GovKemp decided to open up beaches in Georgia after issuing a statewide a stay-at-home order from . pic.twitter.com/SJ3NTqwSb2
— Call me X. (@_zayfitz) April 4, 2020
At least one person remarking on the change felt reopening beaches is a good call.
Time to reopen the beaches. Georgia has reopened Tybee, Jekyll and St Simons Island beaches. Tourists are gone, the sand is public space... Exercise and sunshine are good health measures.
— OldCityServices (@OldCityServices) April 4, 2020
Still, some felt the control was up to individuals.
Golf courses and beaches are open in Georgia. We are on our own folks. Just stay at home.
— Georgia Politics (@atlantamcd) April 4, 2020
Did Georgia not learn from Florida about the beaches being open? So many of those people in Florida tested positive for the virus. I see common sense is rare these days. Y’all better stay home and away from the beaches and lakes.
— tonya noel (@misstnoel) April 4, 2020
About the Author
