Economics

Economists See Georgia’s Reopening as ‘Bellwether’ for Nation

  • Daily hospitalizations, deaths have declined so far in state
  • But new hot spot of cases has emerged north of Atlanta

An employee wearing a protective mask and gloves serves a customer a drink at a Marlow's Tavern restaurant in Johns Creek, Georgia, U.S.

Photographer: Elijah Nouvelage/Bloomberg
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Georgia Governor Brian Kemp’s move to allow businesses to reopen almost three weeks ago, widely ridiculed by public-health officials, has so far not resulted in a surge of hospitalizations or deaths. That’s caught the attention of economists.

Some Wall Street economists say a continued decline in serious illnesses suggests Georgia’s reopening may encourage other states to ease restrictions and lead to an eventual resumption in economic activity in the U.S.