Health

Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms Urges People to Stay Home Despite Governor’s Mandate

Earlier this week, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp issued a statement that the state would reopen certain nonessential businesses beginning this Friday, April 24, including hair salons, gyms, bowling alleys, and tattoo parlors.

Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms has been vocal in urging those in Atlanta– and the state at large– to continue staying home despite the Governor’s decision to reopen businesses.

While Bottoms’ power does not supersede Kemp’s, she is using her voice to encourage Georgians to “Follow the data, look at the science, listen to the health care professionals and use your common sense.”

“Simply because we have hospital beds available doesn’t mean that we should work to fill them up,” the Atlanta Mayor said.

I hope he’s right and I’m wrong. Because if he’s wrong, more people will die.”

Bottoms urged residents in Atlanta to use city services, like the food program and the small business loan program, during this difficult time. She added, “there’s nothing essential about going to a bowling alley during a pandemic.”

As of today, the state has confirmed 20,740 cases of coronavirus, including 3,959 hospitalizations and 836 deaths, according to Georgia’s health department.

Sources: AJC 4/22/20; CBS News 4/22/20; Georgia Department of Public Health 4/22/20; Washington Post 4/21/20

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