Kemp Deploys National Guard To GA Hospitals, COVID Test Sites Omicron Causes Case Spike

ATLANTA, GA — As Georgia set a new single-day record for confirmed COVID-19 cases Wednesday, Gov. Brian Kemp said he will deploy National Guard troops to hospitals and COVID-19 test sites across the state starting Monday.

At the same time, he also said he will not implement any measures that could force businesses to close or separate residents by vaccination status or mask-wearing preference.

"It is time to trust our citizens to do what's right for themselves and their families. That is why I will absolutely not be implementing any measures that shutter businesses or divide the vaccinated from the unvaccinated, or the masked from the unmasked," Kemp said.

The Georgia Department of Public Health reported 13,834 confirmed COVID-19 cases at its 3 p.m. report Wednesday, breaking the record the state had just set Tuesday. Tuesday's record already shattered the previous one set in January at 10,165 cases.

• Related: GA Positive COVID-19 Tests Surge To Early Pandemic Numbers

As of Wednesday, 60 percent of eligible Georgians have had at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, 53 percent of eligible Georgians are fully vaccinated and 30 percent of those fully vaccinated have received a booster dose.

During a Wednesday morning call with leaders from nine different health systems in Georgia, Kemp said they emphasized seeing an influx of people needing a COVID-19 test but are not experiencing severe symptoms. He cautioned residents from visiting their local hospital for a test and instead urged them to go to a mass testing site, primary care location or use a reliable at-home test kit.

To find a COVID-19 vaccine provider near you, visit vaccines.gov. For a testing site, visit dph.georgia.gov/covidtesting.

In August, Kemp's office authorized up to 2,500 National Guard troops to be deployed as needed to assist Georgia hospitals. Starting Monday, 200 troops will be sent to hospitals and test sites around the state. Roughly 96 troops will support the Department of Public Health, including at test sites, with the remaining going to test sites and roughly 100 hospitals throughout Georgia.

Kemp said the state will begin sending troops next week, then operate at capacity and fulfill all assignments by Jan. 18.

"As we work diligently to provide aid and cut down on people's wait times at testing locations, we urge Georgians to be patient and be compassionate to your fellow neighbors," Kemp said.

He also said the DPH is working to increase testing capabilities, including setting up a new testing site in metro Atlanta near the airport. The department is also expanding staff at district test sites.

Additionally, the state will put $100 million toward health care staff augmentation, which could mean up to 1,000 additional personnel across Georgia, Kemp said. Currently, their assignments will be effective for 13 weeks.

The governor's announcements come within a month of a new, more-contagious strain of the coronavirus, the omicron variant, making its way into Georgia. State officials are urging the public to get vaccinated and encouraging those 16 and older who have been vaccinated for more than six months to get a booster.

Testing continues to be available across Georgia, and state officials say that getting tested for COVID-19 is the first line of defense.

State and federal health officials urged the public to continue the same prevention measures, regardless of the variant:

• Consider getting a COVID-19 vaccination and booster dose.
• For young children who aren't yet eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine, aim to reduce the risk of exposure by making sure the people around them are vaccinated.
• Wear well-fitting masks over your nose and mouth in public indoor settings.
• Physically distance, about 6 feet, around people outside of your own household.
• Avoid crowded, poorly ventilated spaces, and remember that outdoor activities are safer than indoor activities.
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water. Use hand sanitizer if soap and water aren't available.
• If you are sick or have symptoms of COVID-19, don't host or attend a gathering.
• Follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations for holiday travel.
• Get tested if you have symptoms of COVID-19 or have close contact with someone who has COVID-19.

For more information, visit dph.georgia.gov.