ATLANTA, GA – In light of the public health emergency posed by COVID-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus, in-person voting presents increased risk to voters and poll workers. Governor Kemp has declared a public health emergency. President Trump has declared a national emergency, said Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger. “Events are moving rapidly and my highest priority is protecting the health of our poll workers, their families, and the community at large.” Maintaining the integrity of the election depends on the talents of poll workers who are in the…
Health & Medicine
Atlanta, GA – This afternoon, Governor Brian P. Kemp held a press conference to provide an update on COVID-19. The Governor was joined by Lieutenant Governor Geoff Duncan, Speaker David Ralston, Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, Georgia Department of Public Health Commissioner Kathleen Toomey, Adjutant General Tom Carden, Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John King, and Governor’s Coronavirus Task Force members. During the press conference, Governor Kemp addressed the following topics: Coordination with Georgia’s Schools Local school systems have already implemented some limited closures in specific areas to deal with…
Atlanta, GA – Governor Kemp and the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) are confirming the first death from COVID-19 in Georgia. The individual, a sixty-seven year old male, was hospitalized at WellStar Kennestone since testing positive for COVID-19 on March 7. In addition to being infected with coronavirus disease, this individual also had underlying medical conditions. “Marty, the girls, and I are praying for the family and loved ones of this individual during this incredibly difficult time,” said Governor Kemp. “I know the medical professionals on site did everything…
ATLANTA, GA — Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms issued an Administrative Order directing the Chief Financial Officer to coordinate with the Chief Health Officer and Director of Emergency Preparedness to develop a financial framework to identify funds to implement the activities and needs of the Mayor’s Coronavirus Pandemic Coordination Team. “While facing the coronavirus health threat, this Order will ensure the City is in its best posture to conduct day-to-day operations without disruption,” said Mayor Bottoms. “This funding framework will be used to guarantee the City of Atlanta is positioned to…
The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) is working closely with the CDC, and state partners to prepare for a potential outbreak of COVID-19 in the U.S., including Georgia. The goal is to quickly identify cases of COVID-19 and take the appropriate public health action to reduce its spread and protect the general public. DPH already has a detailed pandemic flu plan that was developed in partnership with the Georgia Emergency Management Agency, the Georgia Department of Education and other state agencies, and will be adapted for a COVID-19 outbreak…
Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) Awaits CDC Confirmation of Positive COVID-19 Test ATLANTA – The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) is awaiting confirmatory testing on a positive test for COVID-19 in a Georgia patient in Floyd County. The initial testing was completed by the Georgia Public Health Laboratory on March 5. Per testing protocols established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the test results were sent to the CDC for confirmation. Testing at most state laboratories, including Georgia, is just underway; and due to previous…
