Empty chairs outside Capitol serve as grim reminder of Georgians lost to COVID-19

ATLANTA — A sea of empty chairs lined the lawn in front of the state Capitol, a solemn reminder of 9,300 COVID-19 related deaths in Georgia.

The group “COVID Survivors for Change” organized the event and gathered at Liberty Plaza on Wednesday morning.

“I would like to see our leaders show some care and compassion and enact a response to the pandemic,” said Carol Lewis who lost her father to the disease.

Lewis, a Conyers resident, spoke at the event that was partially virtual. Her 86-year-old father was a Korean War veteran.

Marjorie Roberts is a COVID-19 survivor but says her life is forever changed by the illness and she frequently suffers what she calls “COVID crashes.”

“I never know when my breathing is going to go off track. I’m tired all the time. I don’t have the energy I used to have. It’s just everything is all different for me now,” she said.

The group wants state leaders to step up to stop the spread of the virus and they’re encouraging people to vote in the Georgia senate runoff election on Jan. 5.

“Think about people, voting for people who care about you and want you to have your healthcare and want to save lives,” Lewis said.

“We are not lying to you guys. COVID-19 is not a hoax and it’s not going anywhere,” Roberts added.

[SPECIAL SECTION: Coronavirus Pandemic in Georgia]

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