Georgia mock 'funeral' protests governor reopening businesses during coronavirus outbreak

close

Video

Georgia restaurants slowly welcoming back diners

James O'Reilly, CEO of Smokey Bones Bar & Fire Grill, gives an update on 'Bill Hemmer Reports.'

A group of Atlanta residents staged a mock funeral procession on Thursday to protest Georgia's plan to reopen the state amid the novel coronavirus outbreak.

The protest was a rolling one and was staged by a line of cars, along with several hearses, according to WXIA-TV. It was reportedly organized by the "Georgia Coalition 2 Save Lives" and began at the Carl Williams Funeral Home in Castleberry Hill.

CBS 46 reporter Ashley Thompson tweeted a video of the motorcade as it made its way to the state Capitol.

The group asked everyone who attended the event to wear a mask and to respect social distancing protocol, WXIA reported.

CORONAVIRUS VENTILATOR DEVELOPED BY NASA IS APPROVED BY FDA FOR EMERGENCY USE

Gov. Brian Kemp announced the state would be reopening last week in light of encouraging COVID-19 data.

"Now, with favorable data and approval from state health officials, we are taking another measured step forward by opening shuttered businesses for limited operations. I know these hardworking Georgians will prioritize the safety of their employees and customers," he said at the time.

On Thursday, Kemp seemed to reverse gears and ordered the elderly to remain sheltered in place, after allowing restaurants, movie theaters, churches, gyms, tattoo parlors and beauty salons to reopen with restrictions.

"I believe it’s vital that we empower business owners and workers to restart our economy while following detailed and strict hygienic guidelines to keep employees and customers safe," Kemp said in a statement.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FOX NEWS APP

The Georgia Department of Labor announced last week that 1.1 million workers -- about one-fifth of the state's workforce -- filed for unemployment in the five weeks since the crisis started.

Kemp formally extended the public health state of emergency through June 12.

Fox News' Vandana Rambaran contributed to this report.