Governor Brian Kemp is urging Georgians to take precautions over the holidays to curb the spread of COVID-19.
During a press conference Tuesday at the State Capitol, Kemp acknowledged the recent rise in Georgia’s COVID cases. That increase, coupled with the approaching holidays, has health officials worried about the potential for significant viral spread.
“We’re asking all Georgians to do a few simple things to help limit the spread of the virus. The Four Things For Fall that we’ve talked a lot about – wear a mask, practice social distancing, continue to wash your hands, and follow the guidance of our public health officials that we have outlined in our executive orders,” Kemp said.
The governor added, “if you have not done so already, get your flu shot so we can do our part to prevent a twindemic of COVID and the flu happening at the same time.”
Health experts are warning even small family gatherings could lead to a spike in coronavirus cases.
Kemp and Georgia Public Health Commissioner Dr. Kathleen Toomey urged Georgians to consider alternatives to their traditional holiday gatherings such as virtual gatherings or limiting gatherings to only a few people within the same household. “If weather permits, gather outside to reduce the risk of exposure indoors,” Kemp said. “If you’re traveling, socially distance from those you don’t regularly see.”
Officials are also urging Georgians to carefully consider the risk to those who are medically fragile and more vulnerable to COVID when planning their holiday gatherings.
A steady uptick
“Right now in Georgia, we are still lower than in other states, but we’ve seen a steady uptick in cases, hospitalizations and deaths,” said Dr. Toomey. “We can stop that if everyone follows those guidelines [Four Things for Fall].”
Georgia has recorded 408,664 confirmed cases of the virus since March and has the nation’s ninth-highest virus-related death toll among states.
Currently, Georgia has on hand between 45 days and two months’ worth of primary PPE supplies that can be distributed “at a moment’s notice.” State officials are also focused on ensuring hospitals and long term care facilities are fully staffed. By the end of this year, Georgia is expected to have allocated $250 million in staff augmentation alone.
“I know people are frustrated and ready to return to normal; I am as well,” the governor said. “But we can not grow weary. We have to keep our foot on the gas in this fight.”
Georgia schools are out for the Thanksgiving holiday, and some colleges have completed in-person instruction for the year. Colleges, such as Piedmont in Demorest, have sent students home to finish finals online. Students will not return to campus until January.
The Department of Public Health is working with the state insurance commissioner’s office to develop a plan to distribute COVID vaccines in Georgia once a vaccine is approved. Pfizer has applied to the Federal Drug Administration for Emergency Use Authorization, but the FDA has not yet approved it.
Asked during the press conference whether businesses or schools can require students and employees to be vaccinated, Dr. Toomey said, “At this point, we are not mandating this vaccine because it is an emergency authorization use vaccine. When it becomes a fully approved vaccine, I think that’s something that will have to be taken into consideration, but at this time, that is not even on the table.”
