Gov. Brian Kemp names Georgia coronavirus task force

Gov. Brian Kemp has named a task force of health, airport, school and emergency preparedness officials to identify the best way to prevent the spread of the coronavirus in Georgia.

Kemp on Friday announced the 18-member task force, which has been asked to identify the best way for Georgia to prevent or limit, identify and address any potential cases of coronavirus.

There are currently no confirmed cases in Georgia.

“In accordance with the administration's initiatives, Georgia's coronavirus task force represents a coalition of subject-matter experts from the private and public sectors who will work together on preventative measures, strategic deployment of resources, and collaboration across all levels of government,” Kemp said in a statement.

Preliminary reports suggest the disease kills between 1% and 3% of those it infects, but most people sickened have mild symptoms, with older patients and those with underlying health conditions most at risk from the disease. There is no vaccine and no proven treatment for this new virus, officially named COVID-19.

But experts say common-sense measures – and the same steps you would take to avoid other respiratory illnesses like the flu - are key to preventing getting sick from coronavirus.

Some task force members include Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Director Homer Bryson; state Department of Public Health epidemiologist Cherie Drenzek; Emory University Clinical Virology Research Laboratory Director Colleen Kraft; and Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport General Manager John Selden.

See the executive order here:

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