Thread by @sclaudwhitehead

BREAKING: Just got an update from @GovKemp on the state's efforts to address a surge in COVID-19 cases and here are a few highlights after a quick read.

For one, looks like the GWCC will be back in business soon to take on patients.

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#gapol #coronavirusGA

@GovKemp But first, officials say they'll "leverage a new contract for enhanced bed capacity with a metro-Atlanta area hospital" with more details to come. Should add 100 surge and ICU beds.

Curious about the hospital--anyone got any tips to share?

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Remember, and @GovKemp staff reminds, that the state has already sent out pop up ERS around the state (this was early this year) that remain deployed.

That's the meaty news, it seems. But of course there is other stuff!

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@GovKemp Like this bit here, acknowledging that cases and hospitalizations are indeed up and with testing taking so long, we could see some spikes in newly reported cases.

We've been hearing reports of 7+ days to get test results back. And I'd imagine that we'll get some big batches of results soon.

This seems to be a bit of "managing expectations" from officials, perhaps trying to pre-explain why we'll see more cases?

5/n

And this tidbit: based on @GovKemp's calls with hospital CEOs, those facilities want to keep on with elective procedures. One reason? Avoiding staff furloughs. (!)

Talk about a hard balance to strike: bringing in enough $ to keep staff to care for COVID-19 patients. Yikes.

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"The state is coordinating – and paying for – increased staff at dozens of healthcare and long-term care facilities across Georgia," sez the statement.

Wonder where these people are coming from, how they're being trained, and what it means for their "home" facilities.

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Great to have an update this week from @GovKemp, but it would be even better (!) to have a chance to ask some questions face to face.

8/end for now

@GovKemp And @GADPH just reported its largest single-day count of new cases.

4,484 (!!!!!)

That's more than 1k (!!!!) cases more than the record single-day report.

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