Gov. Brian Kemp has declared Georgia’s first ever public health emergency.   Kemp announced Saturday the classification aims to free up 100 million dollars in emergency funding to focus on tackling the coronavirus. There are now 64 confirmed cases in the state.  

The declaration allows the Dept. of Public Health to have more control over healthcare actions in Georgia.  Kemp has also directed state agencies to immediately begin letting employees work remotel and directing Georgians to practice social distancing or reducing close contact with one another.

The governor has also asked that churches and worship facilities across the state suspend services for the next two weeks.  Many local churches in Chattooga County are heeding the governor’s request and cancelling services (See related story here. )

The announcement follows a national emergency declaration in response to the outbreak by President Donald Trump Friday.