Gov. Kemp: Testing capacity for coronavirus ‘unacceptable,’ expands screening criteria

ATLANTA — Gov. Brian Kemp says testing for coronavirus needs to ramped up across the state.

During a news conference Monday afternoon, Kemp reiterated the latest numbers from the state, which show more than 13,000 positive cases of the virus, 2,500 hospitalizations and 462 deaths.

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Kemp called the scarcity of testing “unacceptable” and ordered the Department of Public Health to expand criteria for screening to include asymptomatic people who have had direct contact with coronavirus patients and workers in critical infrastructure.

“I want to be crystal clear: we do not want people showing up unannounced to a hospital, emergency room, or healthcare facility for a test. You need to contact your local health department beforehand to arrange for a test,” Kemp said.

Along with that, Kemp said Augusta University is launching a virtual health screening app that is now available across the state.

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The governor also said the state is expected to reach its peak around May 1.

The governor talked more about converting part of the Georgia World Congress Center into a hospital to help free up bed space across the metro hospitals.

“Our team will utilize contract medical staffing leading up to the state’s projected peak date, currently set for May 1, 2020, according to the IHME model. This project will leverage existing support through nearby Grady Memorial Hospital with initial operating capacity available in roughly one week,” Kemp said. “This project will ensure flexibility and address needs as they arise, but this project is just one of many underway to prepare for surge capacity in Georgia.”

After an outcry from several lawmakers last week, Kemp also announced that he has suspended enforcement of the state's anti-face mask law.

Kemp also addressed the need to protect the state's elderly population. He said the Georgia National Guard has cleaned 229 nursing and assisted living facilities across the state.

“Utilizing sixty infection control teams, the Guard has cleaned 229 facilities. Right now, the Guard has nineteen medical support teams - with most comprised of physicians, nurses, and medics - working in hospitals to assist with COVID-19 triage and treatment,” Kemp said. “We have sixty service members working hospital entry at twenty-one hospitals and twenty-seven service members deployed at state isolation sites. We also have service members stationed at ten food distribution sites to assist with delivery of goods. The Georgia National Guard is working day and night to keep Georgia safe.”

13,300 cases of coronavirus confirmed in Georgia The death toll has also risen

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