Hinesville opened Bryant Commons and Irene Thomas Park for some activities and  previously closed “nonessential” businesses in Liberty and Long County have been allowed to reopen as state restrictions have been eased somewhat. 

But it’s still a far cry from normal for many, as Gov. Brian Kemp extended both his shelter-in-place order for the elderly and “medically fragile” and public health emergency declaration until June 12. 

Kemp allowed the statewide shelter in place for most Georgians to expire May 1, but required businesses such as hair salons and restaurants that reopen to use strict social distancing and sanitation rules through May 13. 

He’s also encouraging Georgians to wear masks and avoid gathering in crowds. 

Despite opening some parks, Hinesville is keeping public playgrounds and dog parks closed for now. Liberty County has opened its trails at James Brown Park, but its playgrounds and gyms remain closed. 

Tuesday’s COVID-19 update:

Cases by county: 

• Liberty: 37 cases

• Long: 5 cases

• McIntosh: 6 cases

• Bryan: 55 cases, 3 deaths

• Camden: 33 cases, 1

• Chatham: 246 cases, 10 deaths

• Effingham: 36 cases, 1 death

• Glynn: 58 cases, 1 deat h

More COVID-19 associated web content at covid19.gachd.org/. 

Case information for all counties in Georgia is available on the state Department of Public Health website at https://dph.georgia.gov/covid-19-daily-status-report.