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Governors, Facing Pressures on All Sides, Weigh Reopening Their States Governors, Facing Pressures on All Sides, Weigh Reopening Their States
(about 13 hours later)
Facing the same competing pressures between keeping people safe in a pandemic and reviving some elements of a more functioning society, governors around the country Sunday made their case for steps they were taking — or not taking — to begin reopening.Facing the same competing pressures between keeping people safe in a pandemic and reviving some elements of a more functioning society, governors around the country Sunday made their case for steps they were taking — or not taking — to begin reopening.
Their efforts reflected the halting patchwork of attempts by several states to begin moving past severe restrictions in the face of the coronavirus, as a cascade of stay-at-home orders began to expire.Their efforts reflected the halting patchwork of attempts by several states to begin moving past severe restrictions in the face of the coronavirus, as a cascade of stay-at-home orders began to expire.
As Colorado’s order ended, Gov. Jared Polis, a Democrat, defended his moves to relax some social distancing restrictions, allowing curbside retail deliveries and soon allowing the reopening of workplaces at half capacity and the resumption of elective surgeries.As Colorado’s order ended, Gov. Jared Polis, a Democrat, defended his moves to relax some social distancing restrictions, allowing curbside retail deliveries and soon allowing the reopening of workplaces at half capacity and the resumption of elective surgeries.
“What matters a lot more than the date that the stay-at-home ends is what we do going forward, and how we have an ongoing, sustainable way, psychologically, economically and from the health perspective, to have the social distancing we need,” he said Sunday morning on CNN’s “State of the Union.” “Otherwise, if we can’t succeed in doing that on an ongoing basis, the stay-at-home was for nothing.”“What matters a lot more than the date that the stay-at-home ends is what we do going forward, and how we have an ongoing, sustainable way, psychologically, economically and from the health perspective, to have the social distancing we need,” he said Sunday morning on CNN’s “State of the Union.” “Otherwise, if we can’t succeed in doing that on an ongoing basis, the stay-at-home was for nothing.”
But in the state’s largest city, Denver, Mayor Michael Hancock said the city needed more time to expand containment measures like testing and contact tracing, and the stay-at-home order would be extended.But in the state’s largest city, Denver, Mayor Michael Hancock said the city needed more time to expand containment measures like testing and contact tracing, and the stay-at-home order would be extended.
Governor Polis acknowledged ongoing uncertainty about the effects of such measures, promising to adjust the rules “in real time” according to a number of different metrics, including mobility and incidence of Covid-19 cases.Governor Polis acknowledged ongoing uncertainty about the effects of such measures, promising to adjust the rules “in real time” according to a number of different metrics, including mobility and incidence of Covid-19 cases.
On the other hand, Gov. Larry Hogan of Maryland, a Republican, said his state would not start to reopen until the number of deaths declined for 14 days straight, as recommended in federal guidelines.On the other hand, Gov. Larry Hogan of Maryland, a Republican, said his state would not start to reopen until the number of deaths declined for 14 days straight, as recommended in federal guidelines.
“I’m going to be very cautious; we’re going to make decisions on science,” he told ABC’s “This Week.” Maryland has reported a total of 17,766 confirmed coronavirus cases, with 797 Covid-related deaths, according to data collected by The New York Times.“I’m going to be very cautious; we’re going to make decisions on science,” he told ABC’s “This Week.” Maryland has reported a total of 17,766 confirmed coronavirus cases, with 797 Covid-related deaths, according to data collected by The New York Times.
Mr. Hogan was among the governors to criticize President Trump’s recent comments on the use of disinfectant as a possible treatment for the virus.Mr. Hogan was among the governors to criticize President Trump’s recent comments on the use of disinfectant as a possible treatment for the virus.
“I think when misinformation comes out or you just say something that pops in your head, it does send a wrong message,” Mr. Hogan said.“I think when misinformation comes out or you just say something that pops in your head, it does send a wrong message,” Mr. Hogan said.
The governors spoke as several states began large-scale experiments in relaxing strict social distancing measures — moves that carried grave risks, but high potential payoffs.The governors spoke as several states began large-scale experiments in relaxing strict social distancing measures — moves that carried grave risks, but high potential payoffs.
In Georgia, there were haircuts, manicures and even massages. In Montana, churches resumed in-person services. And in Alaska, there were restaurant tables to be had — reservations only, no walk-ins. In California, people flocked to open beaches in Ventura and Orange Counties. Most largely complied with regulations and social distancing guidelines.In Georgia, there were haircuts, manicures and even massages. In Montana, churches resumed in-person services. And in Alaska, there were restaurant tables to be had — reservations only, no walk-ins. In California, people flocked to open beaches in Ventura and Orange Counties. Most largely complied with regulations and social distancing guidelines.
Only a handful of states began to ease their lockdowns. Some, like Michigan and Hawaii, extended stay-at-home orders with some modest changes. In New York, Gov. Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat, outlined a plan that could allow some “low-risk” businesses in upstate New York to open as soon as mid-May.Only a handful of states began to ease their lockdowns. Some, like Michigan and Hawaii, extended stay-at-home orders with some modest changes. In New York, Gov. Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat, outlined a plan that could allow some “low-risk” businesses in upstate New York to open as soon as mid-May.
About a dozen states have restrictions that are set to expire in the coming days, and for most, it remains to be seen whether they will be renewed. On Monday, Mississippi’s stay-at-home order will be replaced by a looser set of rules that allows the reopening of some businesses and gatherings of up to 10 people.About a dozen states have restrictions that are set to expire in the coming days, and for most, it remains to be seen whether they will be renewed. On Monday, Mississippi’s stay-at-home order will be replaced by a looser set of rules that allows the reopening of some businesses and gatherings of up to 10 people.
The steps toward restarting an economy halted by the coronavirus pandemic were greeted with a full spectrum of reactions: jubilation, nonchalance, fear, castigation.The steps toward restarting an economy halted by the coronavirus pandemic were greeted with a full spectrum of reactions: jubilation, nonchalance, fear, castigation.
And they showed just how narrow a line officials were walking. Virtually all insisted that their decisions, contested as they were, were based on hard data, and several promised to dial them back if the pandemic numbers turned in the wrong direction.And they showed just how narrow a line officials were walking. Virtually all insisted that their decisions, contested as they were, were based on hard data, and several promised to dial them back if the pandemic numbers turned in the wrong direction.
Carlos del Rio, a professor of medicine and global health at Emory University in Atlanta, said that the virus’s spread did appear to be slowing, but not as much as federal guidelines suggested it should be before phasing in more commerce. Gov. Brian Kemp of Georgia has faced harsh criticism for new guidelines that opened businesses such as nail salons, gyms, bowling alleys and tattoo parlors.Carlos del Rio, a professor of medicine and global health at Emory University in Atlanta, said that the virus’s spread did appear to be slowing, but not as much as federal guidelines suggested it should be before phasing in more commerce. Gov. Brian Kemp of Georgia has faced harsh criticism for new guidelines that opened businesses such as nail salons, gyms, bowling alleys and tattoo parlors.
“I wouldn’t say they’re ignoring the data, but they’re trying to leapfrog,” Professor del Rio said. “We need to recognize, the decision is economic — and I understand what the governors are dealing with, and it’s a difficult situation.”“I wouldn’t say they’re ignoring the data, but they’re trying to leapfrog,” Professor del Rio said. “We need to recognize, the decision is economic — and I understand what the governors are dealing with, and it’s a difficult situation.”
It will take at least two weeks before the consequences of reopening begin to show up in the data, Professor del Rio said.It will take at least two weeks before the consequences of reopening begin to show up in the data, Professor del Rio said.
In Oklahoma, Gov. Kevin Stitt, a Republican, said the state’s restrictions had accomplished what they were meant to: allowing time to increase the number of available hospital beds and flatten the curve of new infections.In Oklahoma, Gov. Kevin Stitt, a Republican, said the state’s restrictions had accomplished what they were meant to: allowing time to increase the number of available hospital beds and flatten the curve of new infections.
“March 30th we had, we peaked at hospitalizations, with 560 across the state,” Governor Stitt said on “Fox News Sunday.” “Today we have 300 across the state in our hospitals. And so we think it’s time for a measured reopening.”“March 30th we had, we peaked at hospitalizations, with 560 across the state,” Governor Stitt said on “Fox News Sunday.” “Today we have 300 across the state in our hospitals. And so we think it’s time for a measured reopening.”
He added: “But I’ve been very clear with Oklahomans that coronavirus is still in the United States, and it’s still in Oklahoma.”He added: “But I’ve been very clear with Oklahomans that coronavirus is still in the United States, and it’s still in Oklahoma.”
Interviewed on the same show, Dr. Thomas V. Inglesby of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health said the pandemic may be reaching an overall plateau, but the risk of a new spike remained clear, and there should be no sense that the nation had turned a corner. “If you go state by state, you see that about half of the country — in half of the country, the numbers are still rising day to day,” he said. “And about another third of the country, there seems to be a leveling off. And only in a minority of the country the numbers are actually coming down day by day.”Interviewed on the same show, Dr. Thomas V. Inglesby of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health said the pandemic may be reaching an overall plateau, but the risk of a new spike remained clear, and there should be no sense that the nation had turned a corner. “If you go state by state, you see that about half of the country — in half of the country, the numbers are still rising day to day,” he said. “And about another third of the country, there seems to be a leveling off. And only in a minority of the country the numbers are actually coming down day by day.”
He said the virus would be around until there was a vaccine for it. “Everyone needs to be aware that, even as we’re beginning to open up again, there is a clear chance of a rise in cases in states that are doing that.”He said the virus would be around until there was a vaccine for it. “Everyone needs to be aware that, even as we’re beginning to open up again, there is a clear chance of a rise in cases in states that are doing that.”
Updated June 12, 2020 Updated June 16, 2020
The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.
Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.
The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
Dr. Deborah Birx, the White House coronavirus response coordinator, said Americans should expect social distancing guidelines to continue for months. “Social distancing will be with us through the summer,” she said Sunday on NBC’s “Meet the Press.”Dr. Deborah Birx, the White House coronavirus response coordinator, said Americans should expect social distancing guidelines to continue for months. “Social distancing will be with us through the summer,” she said Sunday on NBC’s “Meet the Press.”
Dr. Birx also said a different type of coronavirus test was required to screen the U.S. population on the necessary scale, saying that it would take “a huge technology breakthrough” to get there. What’s needed, she said, is a screening test that detects antigens, like the screening tests used for flu, strep and other diseases. Antigens stimulate the body to produce antibodies, and are essentially evidence of an immune response.Dr. Birx also said a different type of coronavirus test was required to screen the U.S. population on the necessary scale, saying that it would take “a huge technology breakthrough” to get there. What’s needed, she said, is a screening test that detects antigens, like the screening tests used for flu, strep and other diseases. Antigens stimulate the body to produce antibodies, and are essentially evidence of an immune response.
On CNN’s “State of the Union” Sunday, she also acknowledged that the nation was not using existing testing capacities to the fullest. She said the administration was working with states to identify all their testing sites and supply the needed swabs and chemical reagents.On CNN’s “State of the Union” Sunday, she also acknowledged that the nation was not using existing testing capacities to the fullest. She said the administration was working with states to identify all their testing sites and supply the needed swabs and chemical reagents.
In Michigan, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, a Democrat whose coronavirus policies have been the target of protests, extended the stay-at-home order until May 15, but relaxed a number of social distancing policies on Friday to allow in-state travel and some recreational activities.In Michigan, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, a Democrat whose coronavirus policies have been the target of protests, extended the stay-at-home order until May 15, but relaxed a number of social distancing policies on Friday to allow in-state travel and some recreational activities.
Ms. Whitmer defended her aggressive approach, saying on ABC’s “This Week” that it had saved lives. Hawaii also extended its stay-at-home order, for another month, but loosened restrictions on surgeries and going to the beach.Ms. Whitmer defended her aggressive approach, saying on ABC’s “This Week” that it had saved lives. Hawaii also extended its stay-at-home order, for another month, but loosened restrictions on surgeries and going to the beach.
In Florida, where the current stay-at-home order expires April 30, Gov. Ron De Santis said the epidemic in Central Florida had peaked and that the percentage of positives among those being tested was decreasing. He gave no specifics about plans to reopen, saying only that an announcement would come soon.In Florida, where the current stay-at-home order expires April 30, Gov. Ron De Santis said the epidemic in Central Florida had peaked and that the percentage of positives among those being tested was decreasing. He gave no specifics about plans to reopen, saying only that an announcement would come soon.
Governors have struggled to set statewide policy for cities and counties that are often in vastly different circumstances. The mayor of Atlanta, Keisha Lance-Bottoms, said Mr. Kemp’s announcement that some businesses could reopen took her by surprise, and some there were sharply critical.Governors have struggled to set statewide policy for cities and counties that are often in vastly different circumstances. The mayor of Atlanta, Keisha Lance-Bottoms, said Mr. Kemp’s announcement that some businesses could reopen took her by surprise, and some there were sharply critical.
But some mayors in the state said they were powerless to contradict Mr. Kemp’s decision. Restaurants and theaters were set to reopen on Monday.But some mayors in the state said they were powerless to contradict Mr. Kemp’s decision. Restaurants and theaters were set to reopen on Monday.
The mayors of Atlanta, Savannah and Augusta were among the critics who suggested the move was unwise. And many African-American leaders expressed concern about the higher death rates for people of color who contract Covid-19.The mayors of Atlanta, Savannah and Augusta were among the critics who suggested the move was unwise. And many African-American leaders expressed concern about the higher death rates for people of color who contract Covid-19.
Mr. Trump joined the chorus of critics, saying Mr. Kemp’s move had come “too soon.”Mr. Trump joined the chorus of critics, saying Mr. Kemp’s move had come “too soon.”
But Stacey Abrams, who ran against Mr. Kemp in 2018, said the president had encouraged such risks.But Stacey Abrams, who ran against Mr. Kemp in 2018, said the president had encouraged such risks.
“I give President Trump no credit,” she told Jake Tapper on CNN. “He actually caused this challenge, by tweeting for weeks that we should liberate our economies. And when someone took him up on it, he did as he normally does, which is bend to what he thinks public opinion is.”“I give President Trump no credit,” she told Jake Tapper on CNN. “He actually caused this challenge, by tweeting for weeks that we should liberate our economies. And when someone took him up on it, he did as he normally does, which is bend to what he thinks public opinion is.”
Critics of the early reopening included influential clergy members like Jamal Bryant, pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist, an Atlanta-area megachurch, and the Rev. Raphael Warnock, who is running for the U.S. Senate in a special election against Sen. Kelly Loeffler, a Republican appointed to the seat by Mr. Kemp. Dr. Warnock is the senior pastor at Ebenezer Baptist, Martin Luther King Jr.’s home church.Critics of the early reopening included influential clergy members like Jamal Bryant, pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist, an Atlanta-area megachurch, and the Rev. Raphael Warnock, who is running for the U.S. Senate in a special election against Sen. Kelly Loeffler, a Republican appointed to the seat by Mr. Kemp. Dr. Warnock is the senior pastor at Ebenezer Baptist, Martin Luther King Jr.’s home church.
Mr. Bryant, in a Facebook Live video that was viewed more than 1 million times, said the reopening was “derelict of responsibility” and “absent of moral integrity.” He said it was deliberately aimed at separating African-Americans from their money.Mr. Bryant, in a Facebook Live video that was viewed more than 1 million times, said the reopening was “derelict of responsibility” and “absent of moral integrity.” He said it was deliberately aimed at separating African-Americans from their money.
Mr. Kemp has called his policy, which requires businesses to maintain social distancing, a measured return. “I think this is the right approach at the right time,” he told reporters. “It’s not just throwing the keys back to these business owners.”Mr. Kemp has called his policy, which requires businesses to maintain social distancing, a measured return. “I think this is the right approach at the right time,” he told reporters. “It’s not just throwing the keys back to these business owners.”
Pam Belluck contributed reporting.Pam Belluck contributed reporting.