Gov. Brian Kemp speaks at
the State Operations Center on June 2.
Georgia Department of Public Health Commissioner Kathleen Toomey
said those who have been taking part in the George Floyd protests
should get tested for COVID-19. She made her remarks during Gov.
Brian Kemp’s afternoon press briefing at the State Operations
Center in Downtown.
“In demonstrations and mass gatherings when you have this many
people in close proximity you have the opportunity for viral
transmission,” Toomey said, noting that protesters coming from
out of state could also be bringing the virus to Georgia. “We ask
everyone to be very vigilant.”
Toomey said her department had reached out to Atlanta Mayor
Keisha Lance Bottoms to organize COVID-19 testing for first
responders who might have been exposed during the protests. Testing
will also be conducted on National Guard troops and other law
enforcement members who might have been exposed.
GBI Director Vic Reynolds confirmed that he had seen
intelligence that outside agitators from “various groups” and
“certain organizations” were involved in the violence, looting,
and arson seen during the protests in Atlanta over the weekend.
However, he was not prepared to identify the organizations.
“We are convinced there are individuals here from around the
country bent on violence and destruction,” Reynold said.
“Officers and agents have seen it.”
Gov. Kemp said the peaceful protests were being “corrupted by
others with a different agenda.”
“Violence and destruction is unacceptable. We will respond to
threats to undermine our safety and keep the peace,” Kemp said.
“If these unruly people think we will lay down or quit, then
they’re in the wrong state.”
Kemp said the confluence of the pandemic and the protests have
made for a “highly emotional time” in Georgia.
“We are gripped by global pandemic and economic hardship,”
the governor said. “Unemployment and uncertainty is sky high
right now.â€
Kemp said he supports the the protests to honor George Floyd.
“We witnessed injustice with own eyes. The rear, anger and
righteous impatience is justified. I understand people are hurting
and want answers.â€
The post
Governor’s Briefing: Protesters should get COVID-19 test; GBI
says outside agitators involved in violence appeared first on
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