Former Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams (D) is criticizing the state’s Gov. Brian Kemp (R) for his immediate plan to allow some non-essential businesses to reopen as early as Friday.
Abrams — who appeared on “CBS This Morning” with Gayle King to announce her “Project 100” incentive to assist low-income families — was asked her opinion of the state’s impending reopening.
Following Kemp’s announcement, Abrams tweeted her disapproval describing Kemp’s order as “dangerously incompetent.”
Georgia: 14th highest infection/7th lowest testing rate; less econ resilient & 1000s of low-wage workers already forced to risk their lives to make a living. Weakened healthcare w/closed rural hospitals, no Medicaid expansion & a doctor shortage. Reopen? Dangerously incompetent. https://t.co/FFfk9EoN3l
— Stacey Abrams (@staceyabrams) April 20, 2020
King asked Abrams about the post and she offered a detailed explanation for her stance.
Abrams noted that Georgia has one of the highest coronavirus infection rates while ranking as the seventh-lowest testing state in the country. She said she believes the reopening would only increase the possibility of virus exposure for the very people her incentive aims to assist.
“We’re not ready to return to normal,” Abrams said.
She also noted other key factors that indicate the state isn’t prepared to reopen. According to Abrams, the state has a weakened public infrastructure, limited access to healthcare, and complications paying out unemployment benefits.
Abrams also argues that politics is the only reason for an abrupt reopening.
“There’s no legitimate reason for reopening the state except for politics, and I think it’s deeply disingenuous he would pretend otherwise,” she said.
See Abrams remarks below:
Abrams also criticized Kemp’s choice of non-essential businesses to reopen. During the governor’s announcement on Monday, he specified that barbershops, hair and nail salons, tattoo shops, fitness centers, bowling alleys, and massage therapy businesses could reopen as early as Friday.
He also confirmed movie theaters could resume ticket sales on Monday, April 27 and restaurants, currently limited to takeout only, could resume with limited in-house dining. However, nightclubs and bars would remain closed for the time being.
Despite Kemp’s specifications on businesses, Abrams adamantly insists the state is not prepared to reopen.
With more than 19,000 coronavirus cases and limited testing capability, Abrams insists the governor is putting people at risk for a virus they cannot be treated for.
“This isn’t about politics. This is about people’s lives.” Abrams said. “We have people who are the most vulnerable and the least resilient being put on the front lines, contracting a disease that they cannot get treatment for.”
As of Tuesday afternoon, there are more than 19,000 coronavirus cases in the state of Georgia.