Georgia

First coronavirus patient transferred to isolation site at Georgia state park

MORGAN COUNTY, Ga. — Gov. Brian Kemp’s office has confirmed that a Cherokee County COVID-19 victim has been transferred to Hard Labor State Park for isolation.

On Tuesday, the governor announced the state park was going to house seven emergency mobile units as a precautionary measure in accordance with the state's strategic plan to prepare for any and all scenarios as it relates to COVID-19 cases in Georgia.

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Kemp said Tuesday that officials were already considering moving the patient there to recover.

“The individual was not able to isolate at their primary residence and was not in critical condition requiring any hospital admittance. State public health officials determined that a specific part of Hard Labor Creek State Park would be best suited for isolation as the individual is treated by medical professionals,” the governor’s office said in a news release Wednesday night.

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"This site was specifically chosen for its isolation from the general public and ability to house mobile units in the short term," said GEMA Director Homer Bryson. "State public health staff will monitor the individual's progress and work together with state law enforcement to ensure the safety of the community and the patient."

The isolation site at the park is closed off to the public and is being monitored 24/7 by state law enforcement.