ATLANTA — Governor Brian Kemp held a press conference Thursday to announce four mass vaccination sites in Georgia.
Kemp kicked it off by talking about the decline in seven day COVID-19 numbers. He says there's been a 70% decrease since January, as well as a 55% decrease in hospitalizations.
He then said there are still high death totals, which is why vaccinations are important.
“This virus is still deadly and still must be taken very seriously,” Kemp said. “We must remain vigilant.”
So, he announced four state-operated mass vaccination sites will be opening on Monday, Feb. 22. The plan is to administer 22,000 vaccines per week.
They will be located in Albany, Macon (at Farmer's Market on Eisenhower Parkway), Habersham County and Hapeville at the Delta Museum.
Kemp also mentioned Macon-Bibb Mayor Lester Miller as one of the community partners the state is working with to get the site up and running at the Farmer's Market.
Homeland Security Agency director James Stallings went on to explain how the process will work.
Stallings says there will be self-sustaining technology, storage, staff and security at each site. Each will target communities hit hardest by COVID-19.
By working with Sharecare Georgia, the registration at each site will be simple. People eligible in the current phase can go to myvaccinegeorgia.com, pre-register for their vaccine and then get an appointment scheduled.
Stallings says that it is “imperative that you do make an appointment” because walk-ups will not be allowed.
Additionally, only people in the state's current phase, 1A+ will be allowed to register. That includes first responders and frontline workers, and people 65 and older.
Kemp says these mass vaccination sites will run just like any state operated center with GEMA.
Dr. Kathleen Toomey then spoke after Stallings about the state's steadily increasing vaccine supply. She said it can be projected out at least three weeks, so doses can be planned.
Both Walmart and Kroger are getting direct shipments from the federal government, and qualified health providers will soon be able to as well.
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