Georgia

Gov. Kemp says elderly, first responders to take priority in coronavirus testing

ATLANTA — Gov. Brian Kemp says with a drastic jump in the number of positive coronavirus cases, the state is now going to prioritize who gets tested.

Kemp said some medical facilities in the state are starting to get overrun with people trying to get tested and the most vulnerable to coronavirus are going to be the priority for testing.

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Those people include the elderly, the chronically ill and first responders who are showing symptoms of coronavirus

On Tuesday, Channel 2’s Dave Huddleston spoke to Atlanta Police Chief Erika Shields who said the department had six to eight police officers who were sick but they couldn’t get tested.

Kemp said that changes today.

“Law enforcement need those tests. The best way to serve the public is protect those who are protecting us,” Kemp said.

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Kemp said he was encouraged by how the federal government is stepping up and removing red-tape to get critical supplies and research of other medications that could be used to fight the coronavirus.

He also called for Georgians to work together, saying this is the way we will work together.

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“Moving forward, we must remain dynamic and responsive. To weather this storm, we have to stay united in the fight and Georgians have the right to have the facts to make the right decisions for their families. They need as much information as possible to keep their loved ones safe,” Kemp said.

The governor said he is not declaring a mandatory curfew or lock down, but is letting each individual city decide what's best for them.

He also said emergency crews will continue to build isolation housing for those people effected by the virus who can’t self-isolate.