x
Breaking News
More () »

Gov. Kemp tours 'valuable' temporary medical units at Floyd Medical Center

Kemp called the units a great asset to Georgia, to help patients and protect healthcare workers.

ROME, Ga. — Gov. Brian Kemp made a stop in Floyd County, Wednesday, to tour the temporary units set up in the county to help treat COVID-19 patients.

The temporary medical pods at Floyd Medical Center can house 20 beds to treat non-critical COVID-19 patients. Just feet away, another 100-bed temporary unit is set up in the parking deck.

Kemp, along with staff and local leaders, toured both facilities.

RELATED: Gov. Kemp: New mobile medical unit to be erected in Hall County, as COVID-19 cases tick upward

At the Wednesday morning news conference, Kemp called the units a great asset to Georgia, to help patients and protect healthcare workers.

Back in early March, a 46-year-old woman, who was being treated at the Floyd Medical Center with flu-like symptoms, tested positive for Covid-19. Because of that, 20 hospital employees who were exposed to the woman had to self-quarantine.

"Really shows how forward-thinking this group has been and, quite honestly, how forward-thinking our state has been," he said.

RELATED: All Georgians should get tested for the coronavirus, health officials announce

But Kemp, who called the pods innovative, said though they are crucial right now, they could prove helpful once the pandemic has ended.

"They are also going to be valuable for us down the road in the future potential weather events," he said, noting that the units could be used at other hospitals, and may have helped Grady Hospital back when they had a major water main break in December.

The temporary medical units in Floyd County are the latest to spring up in during the state's fight against the coronavirus pandemic. Similar units were also erected early in Dougherty County - an immediate hot spot for the virus in the state - and at the Georgia World Congress Center. Another unit was also set up in Hall County, which is emerging as another area for high virus activity.

11Alive is focusing our news coverage on the facts and not the fear around the virus. We want to keep you informed about the latest developments while ensuring that we deliver confirmed, factual information.

We will track the most important coronavirus elements relating to Georgia on this page. Refresh often for new information.

CORONAVIRUS NEWS IN GEORGIA

Georgia gets first shipment of COVID-19 treatment drug Remdesivir from government

Tracking COVID-19: Georgia Coronavirus Interactive map

Before You Leave, Check This Out