Read on Twitter
. @GovKemp says he’s not ready to set a bar for when he state might need to close down more as COVID cases surge in the state to levels by seen since this summer. Says Georgia is doing better than others, but still not in a great place. #gapol #coronavirusGA 1/n
Governor is asked if his office will take up regular briefings on COVID, says he's concerned about keeping them on topic.
Here's maybe why that's of mind: we just got our first question about Kemp not calling a special session on the election.
2/n
Here's maybe why that's of mind: we just got our first question about Kemp not calling a special session on the election.
2/n
We got at least a few questions into this briefing on a *very important* topic before this came up.
That topic? How the state will allocate limited numbers of COVID-19 vaccine if they become available in the next few weeks as expected.
3/n
That topic? How the state will allocate limited numbers of COVID-19 vaccine if they become available in the next few weeks as expected.
3/n
Dr. Toomey from @GaDPH says the state will not have enough vaccine at first to even get it to healthcare workers and people at LTC facilities, which @CDCgov has recommended should get the vaccine first because of their risks and exposures.
4/n
4/n
Toomey declines to offer specific numbers on vaccines available, says the state will get "several hundred thousand" doses in different shipments once they're approved.
Says it'll take lots of time for the general public to get the vaccine, likely into next summer.
5/n
Says it'll take lots of time for the general public to get the vaccine, likely into next summer.
5/n
Kemp says "everything is on the table" when it comes to putting stronger public health measures in place for the winter holidays to slow the spread. Says "it's up to all of us" to take measures to prevent infection to keep that from happening.
6/n
6/n
Kemp is "confident" the state can get back to a better place in a few weeks with the pandemic.
Here are Georgia's COVID stats, for context: https://bit.ly/3iOSJRe
Looking at the trends, I'd call that assessment "optimistic."
7/n
Here are Georgia's COVID stats, for context: https://bit.ly/3iOSJRe
Looking at the trends, I'd call that assessment "optimistic."
7/n
More on vaccine: Toomey and Kemp aware that vaccine hesitancy will be a big barrier to getting it rolled out, esp with minority communities.
The approach: communicate a lot about the vaccine, it's side effects (there are some), their personal confidence in it.
8/n
The approach: communicate a lot about the vaccine, it's side effects (there are some), their personal confidence in it.
8/n
Governor multiple times mentioned concerns about CARES Act funding running out on 12/31 and what that will mean for getting the vaccine out, also what that could mean for $$$ for surge staffing for hospitals (Kemp has mentioned this before).
9/n
9/n
