96 [link removed] Friend,
This is a time
of unprecedented challenges and uncertainty for our state and our great
nation. Our hearts break for the victims of COVID-19 and their loved
ones, and I know that millions of Georgians have been impacted by the
economic impact of this pandemic.
Rest assured, we are working around
the clock to save lives and ensure that Georgia emerges from this crisis
stronger than ever.
Today, I wanted to take a moment to reach out to
you directly, to share an update on the actions we’ve taken in recent
days to combat the COVID-19 outbreak.
Shelter in Place Order
Since
February, when I launched the Coronavirus Task Force, we have kept our
promise to let the data, science, and experts guide our decision-making.
On March 23rd,
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announced a number of measures to curb the spread of this virus,
including closing down schools, bars, nightclubs, and other places
where large groups gather, and ordered the medically fragile to remain
inside.
Last Thursday, I announced another measured and strategic step
forward.
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beginning-april-3 Georgia’s statewide shelter is in place and will run
through April 30th. This was a direct response to new models that show
Georgia will need more time to prepare for hospital surge capacity, as
well as new information provided by the CDC about heightened levels of
community transmission.
National Guard Deployment
I wrote you a
couple week back regarding my authorization to activate the National
Guard to assist as needed with COVID-19 mitigation. Last week,
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rgia-long-term-care-facilities I announced that more than 100 guardsmen
will be deployed to our assisted living facilities and nursing homes
that have confirmed cases of coronavirus – a move designed to help
reduce exposure among vulnerable residents, and conserve medical
supplies and hospital bed space.
Hospital Bed Capacity & Testing
Capabilities
In another move to increase our hospital bed capacity, I
announced over the weekend that
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the Coronavirus Task Force is deploying four temporary medical units
and working to expand capacity at two reopened health care facilities.
This will add 294 beds to our existing capacity, as we prepare for the
anticipated surge of severe COVID-19 cases.
It is also vital that we
continue growing our testing capabilities – another top priority for
the Task Force. Last week, we announced a partnership between the
University System of Georgia, state health officials, and Emory
University to this end. And earlier this week, I announced a
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testing-site-atlanta/MZOQLKAIRFEQXNA2B2TI6TFS44/ new public-private
partnership with CVS Health to open a drive-thru testing site at
Georgia Tech, which will be able to conduct 1,000 tests per day.
Thank
you for taking a few minutes to review this update. I’d encourage you
to share this email with your family and friends.

I also hope you
will join us in praying for our doctors, nurses, and medical staff who
are risking their health and well-being in this battle against
COVID-19.
As I’ve said before, we’re all in this time of crisis
together... and we WILL defeat the coronavirus pandemic together.
God
bless you and your family, God bless Georgia, and God bless America.
Sincerely,
Governor Brian Kemp
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do
not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
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