Governor Kemp issued a new COVID-19 guidance executive order, which will be in effect throughout May.
Executive Order 04.30.21.01 lifts a number of the state's restrictions, according to a release from the governor's office. It eliminates social distancing table requirements at restaurants and bars as well as specific requirements for gyms and fitness centers, movie theaters, hair stylists and more.
It also allows sporting events and live performances more flexibility.
Kemp has faced criticism from public health experts, according to the AJC, who say relaxing restrictions sends the wrong message.
Dr. Carlos del Rio, an Emory University infectious disease expert, said Georgia still lags most of the nation in the distribution of the vaccine.
"It’s too soon. We can still have an explosion of new cases like other states have experienced,” he said. “We’re catching up on vaccinations, but doing away with masks and social distancing at this point could turn around all the progress we’ve achieved so far.”
According to the AJC, Kemp urged people to keep getting vaccinated, saying it is the "ticket back to normal."
