Georgia Governor Brian Kemp announced his decision to allow non-essential businesses across the state to reopen, drawing mounting criticism from Georgia's mayors and U.S. President Donald Trump.

Kemp allowed gyms, barbershops, hair salons, and other establishments to start operations on Friday amid the rising number of coronavirus-related deaths in the country, which hit the 52,000 on Saturday.

Georgia was along the last states to impose a sweeping stay-at-home policy across the nation. Kemp, who is currently serving his first term, released the lockdown orders on April 3.

On a Monday news conference, he claimed he received favorable data and approval from health care professionals to resume non-essential operations. He also said COVID-19 cases in the state have flattened.

However, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University, Georgia has seen an increasing number of infections and fatalities attributed to COVID-19. The state's health department also reported 60 deaths from the virus over the last weekend.

Trump criticized Kemp's decision to open the state in a tweet on Friday, where he emphasized his disapproval for the move.


Waiting for Their Turn

Many Georgia residents flocked to hair salons and tattoo parlors on Friday, with many waiting in line outside the door despite recent coronavirus deaths. Some were seen queueing outside a barbershop at seven in the morning.

Local tattoo parlors were reportedly fully booked, with numerous people going in and out. Gabriel Krull, the owner of Slangin Ink, reopened his doors on Friday.

"I have bills to pay," he said. "I have a family to feed. This is my career."


Conflicted Owners

Many small business owners struggle to figure out how to protect employees following a surge of customers as doors reopen.

Tim Timmons, a salon owner, said his decision to resume operations was primarily due to his employees who have been out of work since the social distancing guidelines went into effect. He said they took precautionary methods such as checking customers' temperatures upon entering the shop and asking whether they were in contact with anyone who's had COVID-19.

The customers' faces are also covered with a towel during shampoos. Timmons' employees worked 14 feet apart and are observing split shifts.

Other businesses, such as the Plaza Theatre, decided not to reopen. Christopher Escobar, the owner of the 500-seat movie theater, said he was looking out for the safety of his staff and customers. He also believes the recent announcement "does not make sense at this time." Escobar is looking to implement drive-in shows where his business can operate without any contact.

Larger firms like Coca-Cola and Cox Enterprises continue to have the majority of their office-based staff work from home.

Delta Air Lines also maintained a remote working environment as their offices remain closed except for essential work functions. A spokesperson for the company said they are prioritizing the health and safety of employees.

AGCO, an agricultural equipment manufacturer, continues to have staff work remotely. The company has continued operations as one of the essential businesses in the food supply chain. Employees are asked to follow strict local and national guidelines at its production plants.