ATLANTA — Atlanta’s mayor is lifting the ban on some outdoor events. A new executive order signed Wednesday will allow events just under 2,000 people starting May 15.
Channel 2′s Justin Gray dug into what the new order allows and does not allow.
Events must submit an internal health plan to the city. Face masks will be required. Events must also submit a detailed plan with measurements to allow social distance and have an on-site health coordinator.
[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]
“It’s a big turnaround because we’re coming back to business we’re opening up,” said Randall Fox.
Fox has already put in the permit applications with the city for a series of arts festivals that are yearly traditions in the city parks.
“We’ve got about six events scheduled to go through August,” he said.
TRENDING STORIES:
- Man with 5 guns, body armor arrested inside Publix at Atlantic Station, police say
- Huge lines outside Mercedes-Benz Stadium on 1st day of mass vaccination site
- Q&A: How can I book a COVID-19 vaccine appointment in Georgia? Which shots are available?
Atlanta City Councilman Matt Westmoreland said he expects the city to continue to ease restrictions and allow larger crowds in coming months.
“I think after this initial step from this morning, you’ll see future steps as we continue to watch the data and make sure it’s safe to take the action we are,” Westmoreland said.
The order still does not allow the larger events. Annual spring festivals like the Dogwood Festival are still on hold. The executive director told Gray they are aiming for the fall this year.
“The dogwoods are in bloom. Everybody is expecting us as they have for the last 85 years, but we’re not giving up on it,” Brian Hill said.
Virginia Highlands annual Summerfest draws more than 100,000 people. It won’t be back in its normal summer slot, but they are planning on a 2021 event.
“Like everything through COVID, it’s trying to hit a moving target,” Summerfest organizer Leah Matthews said. “I mean it’s Summerfest. It might happen in November so even re-imagining what it might look like.”
[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
:quality(70)/d1hfln2sfez66z.cloudfront.net/03-12-2021/t_027a76c4a5774104b0cdef104f77ba2d_name_5PP_CV_BRAVES_TICKETS_ATL_PKG_frame_1143.png)
:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/cmg/25NTU7UKAVH2VGBWSIVLQFF3GA.png)
:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/cmg/FOCLIVRFCZFSLCT7KAZGM4WMYM.png)
:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/cmg/RIJGDTLX65BOLKB4UXZYEHF3TU.jpeg)
:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/cmg/6N5UZVEUKZHHTPVRGF7ZDL7ECI.jpg)
:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/cmg/6G746OMPDBDBJMVUH4WDS2WNFI.jpg)