ATLANTA — President Trump officially approved a disaster declaration in Georgia on Sunday night after nearly 3,000 people were confirmed to have the coronavirus across the state.
The virus has killed 83 people in Georgia and sent hundreds to the hospital.
The declaration makes more money available for local governments and nonprofits.
Channel 2 Investigative Reporter Justin Gray was at the state Capitol, where some leaders are demanding tougher executive actions.
Last week, Gov. Brian Kemp ordered a statewide stay-at-home order for the medically fragile, but stopped short at asking everyone to stay home. Kemp has also prohibited gatherings of more than 10 people and closed schools across the state until April 24.
This afternoon, Kemp announced he's ordered Department of Natural Resources officers to patrol lakes and rivers for large gatherings and break them up.
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But there are still calls for a statewide stay-at-home order similar to the one the mayor of Atlanta has issued for inside the city limits.
State Sen. Jen Jordan is still in quarantine after being exposed to a COVID-19-positive colleague at the state Senate chamber. Jordan has been taking to social media to push for a statewide stay-at-home order.
“It’s one of those things where I hope every single day that this is gonna be the day that the governor is going to take a statewide approach and make sure every citizen is protected,” Jordan told Gray over FaceTime.
Joran pointed out rural Dougherty County, where 17 people have died.
"The fact that we’ve seen a breakout in Dougherty County in southwest Georgia shows you that it can be big or small, urban or rural, and this disease does not care and it will decimate your population," Jordan said.
Channel 2 Action News has asked Kemp about his decision not to issue a statewide stay-at-home order multiple times in the past week.
He addressed the issue with Channel 2 Anchor Jovita Moore during the governor’s town hall last week.
“We still have over 50 counties that don’t have a case,” Kemp said. “We’re tying to balance all those things and going on that data we have and supporting local elected officials.”
This weekend, Kemp’s spokesperson pushed back against Jordan on Twitter:
"There’s a statewide shelter in place for medically fragile. Order bans gatherings of 10+ ppl . no exceptions for essential business. Working 24/7 to buy supplies, build capacity, get more workers in healthcare facilities."
Jordan also mentioned a Norcross company that makes ventilators that she said could provide equipment but needs state help to get key parts. Kemp’s office said that the Department of Public Health and multiple hospitals advised against ordering equipment from the company Tecme.
Gray has reached out to Tecme and is waiting on a response.
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