ByWTOC Staff|April 8, 2020 at 9:58 AM EDT - Updated April 8 at 11:10 AM
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) -Governor Brian Kemp announced plans to extend Georgia’s Public Health State of Emergency declaration in response to the coronavirus outbreak until May 13th. His original declaration was set to expire on April 13th. Georgia state law allows the governor to renew the declaration.
“To ensure the health and well-being of Georgians, I will extend the public health state of emergency through May 13, 2020. This measure will allow us to continue to deploy resources to communities in need, lend support to frontline medical providers, and keep preparing as we brace for potential patient surge in our healthcare facilities. We deeply appreciate the hard work of Georgians who are sheltering in place, using social distancing and helping us flatten the curve. We are in this fight together,” said Governor Kemp.“I appreciate Lt. Governor Duncan and Speaker Ralston continuing to work with us to ensure resources are available to proactively respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, and I thank them for their support of an extended emergency declaration. In these unprecedented times, we ask Georgians for their continued patience and prayers, especially for first responders, law enforcement, and the healthcare workers caring for the medically fragile. They are going above and beyond to keep us all safe, and we will never be able to repay them for their sacrifices.”
When the Public Health Emergency was declared on March 14, it activated the state emergency operations plan and made available state resources to help address any threats to public health and safety due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
As part of the Office of the Governor, the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS) works with local, state and federal governments, in partnership with the private sector and faith-based community, to protect life and property against man-made and natural emergencies.
In addition, GEMA/HS employees are on 24-hour call statewide to assist local authorities when disaster strikes. GEMA/HS’ “Ready Georgia” campaign helps Georgians prepare for disasters.
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