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‘Remain calm’: Gov. Kemp speaks to Channel 2 about coronavirus cases in Georgia

ATLANTA — Less than 24 hours after two confirmed cases of the coronavirus in metro Atlanta were announced, Channel 2 Action News took questions about the virus straight to Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp.

The governor visited WSB-TV Studios on Tuesday evening.

The United States has had nine deaths related to the coronavirus. In Georgia, the two confirmed cases involve a father who recently traveled to Milan, Italy and his son, who are both quarantined at their Fulton County home.

As of now, Kemp said there are no other confirmed cases of the virus in Georgia.

Just last week, the governor created a task force for the coronavirus.

When asked what preparations are being made in case we see more confirmed cases in Georgia, the governor said: “We have been preparing for this two weeks ago, and that’s what we’re continuing to do now, dealing with the current situation, but we have a lot of people on the task force thinking forward for ‘what ifs.’”

Kemp said he is urging people to remain calm, stating the risk of coronavirus in Georgia is still low. He said the symptoms of the two metro Atlanta people who caught the virus are mild, not severe.

“People need to just be aware. Do all the things that we’re saying. Use good hand sanitation. Don’t go out if you’re sick. Be more aware if you’ve traveled to Italy, South Korea, China, obviously,” Kemp said.

When asked what he wants Georgians to continue to know surrounding the coronavirus, the governor responded: “We’re going to continue to be very transparent with the public. There’s a lot of misinformation out there. Follow what we have coming out of the governor’s office or the Georgia Department of Public health, also the CDC, to make sure they’re getting the right information. We’re going to be very upfront and truthful with people."