ATLANTA — Many Georgia lawmakers were out of quarantine Monday after being potentially exposed to the coronavirus two weeks ago.
Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan – who presided over the State Senate two weeks ago – was among them.
Duncan said he tried to keep his distance from his wife and three children while mostly cooped up in the same house with his family.
"We tried to keep as much distance as we possibly could," Duncan said. "I think we really tried to take a family approach to it."
Duncan went into quarantine after learning that state Sen. Brandon Beach (R-Alpharetta) had tested positive for COVID-19.
Duncan was presiding over an unexpectedly lengthy session of the senate as lawmakers tried to pass an emergency resolution to handle the coronavirus pandemic. Since then, he’s seen much of the state’s economy seemingly go into free-fall in what he calls an unintended consequence of the need to avoid crowds.
"Certainly we want to take the health and well-being of every Georgian seriously and put that at the top of our decision-making process," Duncan said. "But I think this period of time we’re going through is to find a way to eliminate or minimize as many unintended consequences as possible."
Duncan added that he agrees with Gov. Brian Kemp, in that the state should give much of the authority to local officials to order quarantines and business closings.
As for Duncan – he says he and his family will continue to keep their distance from others. But the lifting of his quarantine does present an opportunity, he says.
"I’ve never eaten at home so many days in my life," he said. "My birthday is on Wednesday. My wife said what’s your favorite take out? So we can figure out where to get it."
Duncan will return to the rostrum when the Senate gavels back into session to complete its 40-day legislative agenda.
Right now, there is no indication that's even on the radar.
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