브라이언 켐프 조지아 주지사는 12일 오후 코로나19로 인한 첫 사망자가 발생했다고 발표했다. 켐프 주지사는 사망자는 67세의 남성이며 마리에타 소재 웰스타 케네스톤 병원에 7일부터 입원중이었고, 지난 9일 코로나19 양성반응 판정을 받았다. 의료진은 이 남성이 의학적 기저질환자였다고 설명했다.

켐프 주지사는 회견에서 “나와 우리 가족은 고인에게 애도를 표하며, 의료진이 할 수 있는 최선을 다했다”라며 “조지아인들은 침착함을 유지하면서 함께 이 전염병과 싸워 나가자”고 말했다.

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Governor Kemp and the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) are confirming the first death from COVID-19 in Georgia. The individual, a sixty-seven year old male, was hospitalized at WellStar Kennestone since testing positive for COVID-19 on March 7. In addition to being infected with coronavirus disease, this individual also had underlying medical conditions.

“Marty, the girls, and I are praying for the family and loved ones of this individual during this incredibly difficult time,” said Governor Kemp. “I know the medical professionals on site did everything that they could, and I greatly appreciate their efforts. As our state continues to address this pandemic, I urge Georgians to remain calm and support their neighbors and communities. We are in this fight together.”

“Our hearts go out to the family and friends of this individual, and the hospital staff who cared for him,” said DPH Commissioner Kathleen E. Toomey, MD, MPH. “Governor Kemp, DPH, the Coronavirus Task Force, and federal partners continue to work together around the clock to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Georgia.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that some people are at higher risk of getting very sick from this illness, including older adults (60+ years of age) and people with serious chronic medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and lung disease.