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Here's how Gov. Kemp is addressing possible hospital shortages in the state amid COVID-19 outbreak

The proposal includes plans to construct an isolation zone, reopen closed hospitals, using outpatient surgical rooms, and converting areas and vacant properties.

ATLANTA — "Right now, one of our biggest challenges is healthcare capacity in hotspots across the state," said Gov. Kemp during the briefing.

In Dougherty County alone, there are currently 64 cases of coronavirus, with six deaths from COVID-19. Kemp said capacity is becoming an "acute problem" for Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital, treating most of those patients in the Albany, Georgia area. To help, Kemp said the state will reopen Phoebe North, which is currently closed. With the reopening, Kemp said the area will have at least another 26 rooms to treat patients.

But he said the hospital will likely not be the only one to face hurdles.

"Several hospitals are facing potential bed space shortages and supply issues," Kemp said. "To address these problems, we have identified multiple options to bolster capacity."

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Among the options, Kemp said he has asked federal officials to allow the state to keep the temporary medical facility at Dobbins Air Reserve Base - once cruise ship passengers depart. It will offer roughly 200 patient beds, if needed.

Kemp said the state has also completed construction of an isolation zone to hold as many as 20 emergency housing units. The campus, Kemp said, will offer another 240 dorm rooms for patient use. 

A third option, according to Kemp, is to use all available outpatient surgical centers, as suggested by Vice President Mike Pence. 

"As part of this initiative, we urge healthcare providers to consider canceling elective procedures to preserve medical supplies and free up resources, including workers and treatment space," Kemp said. "So far, we have identified nearly 600 additional beds beyond what our hospitals currently offer, but our work is far from over."

Finally, Kemp said the state is working with the Army Corps of Engineers for arena space and large buildings, and Kemp added the state is considering the conversion of vacant properties for more hospital space. 

Meanwhile, in a move to bolster the number of healthcare workers, Kemp signed an executive order that would suspend restrictions against the practice of medicine by workers whose licenses became lapsed within the past five years. Graduate nursing students who have yet to take their licensing exams would also be allowed to seek temporary licensure through the Georgia Board of Nursing.

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.

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