GA Coronavirus: Businesses Open, Trump Says Too Soon, More Tests

GEORGIA — President Donald Trump backtracked Wednesday on Georgia's reopening and called the easing of business restrictions, which began Friday, as too soon. Just a day earlier, the president said Gov. Brian Kemp "knows what he is doing," even as some mayors worried lifting the state's lockdown could cause coronavirus cases to spike.

On Monday, the governor spelled out a timeline for many types of businesses — from hair salons to restaurants and movie theaters — as well as churches to reopen to gatherings. Beginning Friday, gyms, fitness centers, bowling alleys, body art studios, barbers, cosmologists, hair designers, nail care artists, estheticians and their schools, and massage therapists can reopen statewide, following social distancing guidelines.

That will be followed on April 27 by the opening of theaters, private social clubs and dine-in services at restaurants as long as they follow social distancing and sanitation guidelines.

But during Wednesday's White House press briefing, Trump changed course and said he disagreed "strongly" with Kemp's decision because the state's number of cases and hospitalizations is still climbing, but it's ultimately the governor's decision.

"I told the governor of Georgia, Brian Kemp that I disagree strongly with his decision to open certain facilities, which are in violation of the phase one guidelines for the incredible people of Georgia," Trump said about 6:30 p.m. Wednesday. "But at the same time, he must do what he thinks is right. I want him to do what he thinks is right, but I disagree with him on what he's doing, but I want to let the governors do — now, if I see something totally egregious, totally out of line, I'll do [something]. But I think spas and beauty salons and tattoo parlors and barber shops in phase one, we're going to have phase two very soon. It's just too soon. I think it's too soon."

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Here's what happened this week in Georgia due to coronavirus:

Details Of Georgia's Controversial Reopening: Coronavirus

Many elected officials questioned Gov. Brian Kemp's decision to open certain businesses Friday, as coronavirus cases increase in Georgia.

Reopening Guidelines Released For Restaurants: GA Coronavirus

The guidelines for restaurants to reopen in Georgia have been released, including limited capacity, required face masks and no buffets.

Reopening Guidelines Released For Salons, Spas: GA Coronavirus

The guidelines for salons and spas to reopen on Friday in Georgia have been released, including increased sanitation requirements.

Trump Backtracks, Says Too Soon For GA Coronavirus Reopening

President Trump has backtracked on Georgia's reopening, calling it too soon after saying Gov. Kemp "knows what he is doing" a day earlier.

When Hair Salons, Dining, Theaters, Churches Will Re-Open In GA

Gov. Brian Kemp on Monday announced which types of Georgia businesses will begin to reopen as coronavirus restrictions ease.

GA Reopening Friday Divides Business Owners: Coronavirus

Certain businesses in Georgia were allowed to reopen on Friday, leaving some owners optimistic but others fear a surge of coronavirus cases.

NAACP Urges GA To 'Push Back" Against Gov. Kemp: Coronavirus

The NAACP has put out a call to Georgians, urging them to defy the governor and stay at home despite the reopening of businesses.

Unemployment Claims Spike, Options Offered By GA: Coronavirus

The number of unemployment claims in Georgia went up by 1,648 percent in March, one of the reasons Gov. Kemp is reopening some businesses.

Emory Doctors Tapped To Help Shape Federal Coronavirus Treatment

Three Emory specialists in critical care and infectious disease were in a national task force to set coronavirus recommendations.

Can’t Cope With Coronavirus? Counseling Can Help

Loganville therapist Mandy Miller of the Creative Center for Wellness says coping with the coronavirus will be a marathon, not a sprint.

GA Quarantine Fight Ends With Teen Boy Shot, Killed By Stepdad

A man shot and killed his 16-year-old stepson over an altercation about staying in the house, police said.

Delta Predicts It Won't Recover For Three Years: GA Coronavirus

Delta Air Lines says it'll take the company three years to fully recover from the effect of the coronavirus pandemic.

CDC Botched Coronavirus Testing Kits: Report

The delayed rollout of testing kits for the new coronavirus in the United States was reportedly traced to an error at the CDC.

GA Coronavirus Update: State May Have Already Reached Peak Deaths

The state may have already reached its peak daily deaths, models suggest, as Georgia surpasses 17,500 people testing positive for the virus.

More coronavirus stories from around Georgia this week:

• Coronavirus: GA Man Charged With Felony For Blowing On Officer
• GA Coronavirus: More Deaths, More Hospitalized As Of Friday
• Kroger Is Delivering 24K Half Gallons Of Milk Through Campaign
• Grayson Salon Is ‘Safer Than A Grocery Store’: Coronavirus
• Blue Angels To Fly Over ATL To Thank Workers: GA Coronavirus
• Kemp Touts More Testing As Georgia Coronavirus Numbers Rise
• Alpharetta Walgreens Opening Rapid Drive-Thru Coronavirus Testing
• Rep. Caldwell Donating Legislative Salary To Cherokee Groups
• GA Child Cancer Patient Gets Special Birthday Surprise
• Little Free Library Brings Books To Neighbors During Pandemic
• Coronavirus Restrictions Relax, Silver Comet Trail To Reopen
• New DeKalb Order Urges People To Wear Face Masks: GA Coronavirus
• Free Coronavirus Testing Available In Bartow, But Call First
• Free Coronavirus Testing Available In Paulding, But Call First
• Chick-fil-A Donating $11M To Local Communities: Coronavirus
• Mayor Announces Plans To Get Hair Cut, Work Out On Friday: Report
• Eyes Covered, He Can Still Make Pizza For Coronavirus Relief
• GA Coronavirus: 4 Ways To Make Face Masks
• Kroger Now Requiring Employees To Wear Masks: GA Coronavirus
• Alliance Theatre Receives $25K Donation To Make Masks
• Coronavirus: Food Truck Serves Meals For Those In Need
• Bartow 911 Supervisor Fired, Charged With Computer Crime: Sheriff
• Dacula Company Makes ‘Liberty Pod’ ICUs To Fight Coronavirus
• Brookhaven Mayor Skeptical Of Businesses Reopening: Coronavirus
• Coronavirus: County Health Department Tests At Duluth Arena
• Some Cobb Parks, Trails Will Reopen Saturday
• Publix Sets Special Hours For First Responders, More
• Douglas Board Of Commissioners Approves Coronavirus Hazard Pay
• Atlanta Drive In Theater Is Open: GA Coronavirus