Atlanta mayor calls it “unacceptable” to “sacrifice lives for sake of the economy”

Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms appeared on “Good Morning America” Friday to talk about Gov. Brian Kemp’s decision to go ahead with reopening some businesses.

She urged Georgians to stay home despite the governor allowing parts of the economy to reopen. The mayor later said she thinks it’s “unacceptable” to “sacrifice lives for sake of the economy.”

“There is nothing essential about a going to a bowling alley or getting a manicure in the middle of a pandemic. It’s necessary that we continue to distance ourselves,” Bottoms said. “We have been aggressive, especially in the metro-Atlanta area and socially distancing and asking people to stay home.”

Kemp has stood by his decision to let some businesses reopen but follow strict guidelines. The governor says his plan is driven by data and guided by public health officials along with guidelines from the White House.

On Wednesday and Thursday, President Trump said he disagrees with Kemp’s decision and wasn’t happy with him, particularly for salons and spas reopening.

Bottoms told GMA she was surprised she and the president agreed on the issue. She also said the governor has not explained the data to her.

“The way it’s been explained to me by our public health officials is simply because we may have reached one peak doesn’t mean that we won’t reach another,” the mayor said.

Bottoms has shared her concerns before but delivered her strongest comments so far.

"I think to make an assumption that we are out of the woods is not based on anything other than a desire to open up businesses. What I believe is that there are some who are willing to sacrifice lives for sake of the economy. That’s unacceptable to me.”

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