Coronavirus Outbreak Grows At Fulton Elections Warehouse

FULTON COUNTY, GA — The COVID-19 outbreak at Fulton County's elections warehouse appears to be getting larger ever since the start of early voting, according to county officials.

The AJC reports there are now 23 warehouse workers confirmed to have the coronavirus as of Wednesday. That’s one in every three of the 60 warehouse workers. Five of the workers are full-time county employees and 18 are contractors.

Six days ago Fulton County's Department of Registration & Elections reported that 13 of 60 employees within the Fulton County Election Preparation Center tested positive for COVID-19.

After two initial employee cases were reported earlier that week, county officials said all warehouse staff were tested and an additional 11 cases were identified.

According to county officials, daily rapid testing has been implemented for all employees at the time they report to work. Additional staff are being recruited to continue warehouse operations.

"Fulton County is continuing to explore and prepare for every possible contingency to ensure successful elections operations through the Early Voting period and on Election Day," county officials said following the initial outbreak.

The warehouse has been treated with a germicidal barrier, county officials said. Additional ventilation and proactive environmental measure have been installed. Alternate work space is being identified to allow operations to continue with greater social distancing.

The county's warehouse is where votes are tabulated. It is also where election equipment is stored.