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, I 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. 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, 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 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 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