This archive report was first published on 12 May 2020.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread, Georgia pastors are speaking out against the state's plan to reopen. In April, Albany, Ga., became an epicenter for the virus, with hundreds of cases traced to two funeral services.
"It was like a tornado that nobody prepared for," said Pastor Orson Burton, who lost members of his congregation in the surge, including his wife's father. "Our churches weren't prepared for it, and before we knew it, people were dropping like flies."
On April 20, Gov. Brian Kemp announced that small businesses could reopen less than three weeks after enforcing a statewide shutdown. However, many pastors, including Pastor Burton, believe that the restart is too soon.
"Already reopening is like a slap in the face," Pastor Burton said. "We've seen how coronavirus can hit our city, our family, our church, and it is not worth it. The harsh reality is, there is no more business as usual."
Church leaders across the city are telling members to stay home through livestream videos and drive-in services. The virus has hit black residents particularly hard, with some 30 black and white church leaders uniting to remain closed.
"We believe that it is in the best interest of our congregations and community that we not resume meeting at this time," they said in a joint statement. "The numbers did not indicate that it was time for our city to open."
Dr. James Black, who heads the emergency department at Phoebe Putney Medical Memorial, the only hospital in the Albany region, has seen a decline in cases but remains wary of a rush to reopen.
"It took us no time at all to get to 160 Covid patients in the hospital, so we're afraid of a second wave," Dr. Black said. "We're just not over it yet. The fact that places are being allowed to reopen is a scary prospect for a lot of us."
As the state considers reopening, many residents are being forced to decide between safety and their bottom line. "At our salon in Albany Ga., we decided that we would go ahead and open up Friday after Governor Kemp said that we could," said a salon owner. "I am single and totally dependent on myself, and so far, I have not gotten a stimulus check because I am self-employed. I just didn't have a choice anymore."
However, not everyone is reopening. Marcus Scott, who manages Masterpiece Barbershop, has decided to keep his shop closed for now, with the support of a local pastor.
"We, as the church, have decided to give each one of these barbers a certain amount of resources," the pastor said. "For some of these barbers, this is their only income."
As the situation continues to unfold, Georgia pastors are urging residents to remain cautious and prioritize their safety.
