DALTON, Ga. — The City of Dalton has declared a state of emergency as COVID-19 cases continue to rise across the state, including in Whitfield County.
Mayor David Pennington announced the order at Monday night's meeting.
"The state of emergency allows city agencies including the Dalton Fire Department and Dalton Police Department to provide personnel to Hamilton Medical Center to supplement their staffing needs," according to a news release.
The news release said that as of Monday afternoon, there were 63 patients at Hamilton Medical Center - 12 of which were in the intensive care unit. The mayor's declaration calls for the activation of the emergency operations plan to detail city personnel to the hospital staff.
RELATED: Gov. Kemp announces steps to support hospitals with COVID-19 surge, says Georgia will remain open
The declaration comes on the same day Gov. Brian Kemp said the state will be providing additional support to hospitals. Kemp announced that the total number of state-supported hospital staff will be increased from 1,300 to 2,800, with many going to rural hospitals.
The governor added that he's been informed that 90% of Georgians hospitalized with COVID-19 are currently unvaccinated.
Health officials are urging Georgians who have not been vaccinated to get the shots.