ATLANTA — Governor Brian Kemp took to Facebook to urge Georgians to be careful over Thanksgiving.
Health experts are warning even small family gatherings could lead to a spike in coronavirus cases.
“With Thanksgiving next week and Christmas, Hanukkah, New Year’s and other celebrations around the corner, I know many are looking forward to gathering with their loved ones, but we are still facing down a once in a century pandemic and we have to remain vigilant,” Kemp said.
Strong words from Kemp as he talks about safety during the holidays.
[SPECIAL SECTION: Coronavirus Pandemic in Georgia]
Dr. Saju Mathew with Piedmont Hospital says it’s just too dangerous.
“Two hundred thousand people died in the U.S., and they’re expecting over 400,000 people to die in December. We just had a million new COVID cases in one week,” Mathew said.
RELATED STORIES:
- Coronavirus: CDC warns against traveling for Thanksgiving amid COVID-19 pandemic
- Georgia residents seeking covid test before the Thanksgiving holidays
- Coronavirus: CDC issues updated guidelines for small gatherings ahead of Thanksgiving
Mathew said he knows there will be families who still plan to gather anyway — here’s his advice:
“They need to quarantine and get tested,” Mathew said.
Kemp is asking Georgians to do these four simple things to help stop the spread of the coronavirus:
- Wear a face mask
- Social distance
- Wash your hands frequently
- Follow the guidance of public health officials
“As the weather turns cold, and people spend more time inside, and we’ve seen Georgia’s case numbers increase, and we continue to ask Georgians to do a few things to limit the spread: wear a mask, practice social distancing, wash your hands and follow the guidance of public health officials in our executive orders. And if you have not done so already, get your flu shot,” Kemp said.
This browser does not support the video element.