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Gov. Kemp orders National Guard to some Georgia hospitals, including Brunswick

Kemp says the guardsmen will assist frontline healthcare workers during the current increase in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations.

(The video above is from a previous report)

On Tuesday, Governor Brian P. Kemp announced the Georgia National Guard will deploy 105 personnel to certain hospitals throughout the state.

This is in coordination with the Georgia Emergency Management Agency and the Department of Community Health, his office announced via press release.

One of those hospitals includes the Southeast Georgia Health System, Brunswick campus.

Last week, Southeast Georgia Health System set up a mobile morgue at the campus due to the surge in COVID cases and COVID-related deaths in the region.

In a statement sent to First Coast News, President & CEO Michael D. Scherneck said the death rate in Glynn County is once again increasing.

Earlier this month, healthcare workers at the hospital urged people to get the COVID-19 vaccine as exhausted employees continue to try to keep up with the surge of infected patients coming through the doors.

RELATED: ICU beds full at both Southeast Georgia Health System's Brunswick, Camden hospitals as COVID-19 cases soar

Kemp's office says trained medical personnel will also assist staff at the following hospitals across the state:

  • Northeast Georgia Medical Center, Gainesville
  • Wellstar Kennestone, Marietta
  • Piedmont Henry, Stockbridge
  • Phoebe Putney, Albany
  • Memorial Health University Medical Center, Savannah 
  • Navicent Health, Macon
  • Grady Hospital, Atlanta
  • Piedmont Fayette, Fayetteville
  • Houston Medical Center, Warner Robins

Kemp says the guardsmen will assist frontline healthcare workers as they provide quality medical care during the current increase in cases and hospitalizations.

RELATED: Gov. Kemp announces steps to support hospitals with COVID-19 surge, says Georgia will remain open

"... I greatly appreciate General Carden and his team for their willingness to answer the call again in our fight against COVID-19,” said Governor Kemp. “This Georgia National Guard mission is in addition to the 2,800 state-supported staff and 450 new beds brought online I announced last week, at a total state investment of $625 million through December of this year. I continue to urge all Georgians to talk to a medical professional about getting vaccinated.”

Last week, to further encourage state employees to get vaccinated, Kemp stated that state offices will be closed on Sept. 3, in hope that they will use that day to schedule an appointment.

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