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Friday, November 13, 2026Nov 13

Kemp says we can’t fight coronavirus from home as cases tick up

Governor Brian Kemp makes a statement and answers questions from the media following a tour of Fieldale Farms while visiting Gainesville, Friday, May 15, 2020. (Alyssa Pointer/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP)
Governor Brian Kemp makes a statement and answers questions from the media following a tour of Fieldale Farms while visiting Gainesville, Friday, May 15, 2020. (Alyssa Pointer/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP)

ATLANTA (AP) – Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp said Wednesday that he wants to lift more restrictions on businesses as long as people continue to heed coronavirus guidance from officials and public health experts.

The Republican governor’s comments came as state data shows the number of new daily infections trending upward after weeks of decline.

“We can’t keep fighting the virus from our living room,” Kemp said, according to video of his remarks posted online by WMAZ-TV. Kemp was touring a temporary medical pod setup at a hospital in Macon.

Georgia has had more than 44,000 confirmed cases of the virus, according to data from the state Department of Public Health. At least 1,907 people in the state have died.

For most people, the virus causes mild or moderate symptoms. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and death.