Each week spent in quarantine comes with new updates. This week’s most important update comes from Georgia’s governor, Brian Kemp, who is now planning on reopening select businesses include bowling alleys, gyms, barbers, salons, and tattoo shops on Friday, April 24, as well as social clubs, movie theaters, and dine-in options at restaurants on Monday, April 27. While this may seem like a positive update, there is much more to consider before deciding to have a night out with friends.  

To start off, businesses reopening does not mean that people are suddenly safe from COVID-19. Reopening select places is purely for economic purposes, so it is not an open invitation to ignore social distancing and put everyone else in danger. Many deem Kemp’s call to be reckless, even with the intention of trying to help the economy. Savannah Mayor Van Johnson referred to Kemp’s plan as “premature, irresponsible and dangerous.” 

Currently, there have been 21,102 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state of Georgia, which was reported by the Georgia Department of Public Health on April 22. Nobody is an exception, no matter how healthy one is or under what age range they fall.  

Whether people agree with Kemp’s decision or not, it is extremely important that everyone quarantine and continue washing their hands and staying extra cautious when it comes to personal hygiene. I think I speak for everyone when I say that I do not want summer to be cancelled, so consider others when contemplating a visit to the nail salon for new acrylics or a trip to see the latest movie playing in theaters.