While there are no confirmed cases of coronavirus in Georgia at this time, Gov. Brian Kemp announced Friday he wants to be prepared should the virus make its way into the state.
Kemp announced a coronavirus task force- comprised of 18 people - to assess Georgia's preparations and procedures for preventing, identifying, and - if needed - addressing cases of COVID-19.
According to a press statement , Kemp made the announcement following a morning call with Vice President Mike Pence about the Trump Administration's efforts to facilitate interagency cooperation and proactive measures to mitigate COVID-19's impact.
"In accordance with the Administration's initiatives, Georgia's coronavirus task force represents a coalition of subject-matter experts from the private and public sectors who will work together on preventative measures, strategic deployment of resources, and collaboration across all levels of government," Kemp said.
Kathleen Toomey, the Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Public Health, is one of the members of the task force, and she said the time to prepare for coronavirus in now - before a problem arises.
"At this time, there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Georgia, but we remain vigilant and continue to plan for all contingencies. Fortunately, the Peach State boasts some of the world's most advanced healthcare experts and institutions, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention," Toomey said. "We are taking action now - ahead of any confirmed cases - to make sure that we are ready for any scenario."
Governor's Coronavirus Task Force
Felipe den Brok
Director – City of Atlanta’s Office of Emergency Preparedness
Homer Bryson
Director – Georgia Emergency Management & Homeland Security Agency
Major General Tom Carden
Adjutant General – Georgia National Guard
Chris Carr
Attorney General – Office of the Attorney General
Sharon Cooper, RN, MSN
Chair – State House Health & Human Services Committee
Greg Dozier
Commissioner – Technical College System of Georgia
Cherie Drenzek
State Epidemiologist – Georgia Department of Public Health
Tim Fleming
Chief of Staff – Office of the Governor
John Haupert, FACHE
Chief Executive Officer – Grady Health System
John King
Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner – Georgia Department of Insurance
Colleen Kraft, MD
Director – Emory University Clinical Virology Research Laboratory
Ryan Loke
Healthcare Advisor – Office of the Governor
John Selden
General Manager – Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport
Lorri Smith
Chief Operating Officer – Office of the Governor
Kathleen Toomey, MD, MPH
Commissioner – Georgia Department of Public Health
Ben Watson, MD
Chair – State Senate Health & Human Services Committee
Richard Woods
State School Superintendent – Georgia Department of Education
Steve Wrigley
Chancellor – University System of Georgia
