'Reckless Mandate' By Kemp Reopened Beaches Amid Coronavirus

GEORGIA — Local officials are railing against the part of Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp’s stay-at-home order that reopened all state beaches during the new coronavirus pandemic.

The executive order signed Thursday by Kemp supersedes all local orders related to the public health crisis.

Tybee Island, a popular vacation spot in Georgia, is a major driver of the state’s tourism economy. But in an effort to stem the spread of COVID, Tybee Island’s city council decided to shut down its beaches March 20.

On Saturday, Mayor Shirley Sessions criticized Kemp, saying the city will “pursue legal avenues to overturn his reckless mandate.”

“Tybee City Council and I are devastated by the sudden directives and do not support his decisions,” Sessions said. “The health of our residents, staff and visitors are being put at risk.”

While the beaches have to stay open under Kemp’s order, she said, Tybee will not have beach access, and parking lots will remain closed until further notice.

Kemp tweeted a photo of Tybee Island’s beaches, saying that officials hadn’t reported any issues while on patrol.

“Beachgoers are mostly locals and complying with social distancing orders,” Kemp said. “We will continue to monitor conditions.”