On April 20th, Governor Kemp ordered that as of today, some businesses will be allowed to reopen for “baseline operations.” The businesses that are allowed to re-open include gyms, bowling alleys, nail care artists, tattoo shops, beauticians, barbers, massage therapists, and training schools dedicated to those professions. According to the governor’s order, these businesses must ensure strict social distancing, sanitize regularly and adhere to other guidelines.

Sheriff’s offices throughout Georgia continue the responsibility of assisting the state in carrying out the Governor’s orders. Bibb County deputies will continue to use a high degree of discretion in the enforcement of this latest executive order. It will be impossible for deputies to check and monitor every business which will be allowed to reopen to determine if that business is adhering to the health guidelines in place for the COVID-19 outbreak. Sheriff David Davis is asking that all business operators and their customers and clients use good judgement and adhere to health guidelines which have been in place since the beginning of the pandemic.

In the event of complaints, sheriff’s deputies will be making every effort to make contact with gatherings in excess of 10 people, where six feet of separation has not occurred. In such instances, deputies will be taking responsible steps to provide notice and educate individuals prior to taking any further law enforcement actions.

Sheriff David Davis says, “If you feel that it is too soon to return to public activities, then please continue to stay home. You are the best judge of how the impact of COVID-19 can affect your family. Remember, we’re all in this together and together we will get through it.”