DeKalb County CEO Takes Aggressive Steps To Prevent Spread Of Coronavirus

May 6th, 2020

DeKalb County plans to distribute 10,000 COVID-19 Care KIts.

DeKalb County

DeKalb’s CEO says he’s taking a more proactive and aggressive approach to preventing the spread of the deadly coronavirus among the county’s residents.

On Tuesday’s edition of “Closer Look,” DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond told the show’s host, Rose Scott, that his administration has to take continuous action to mitigate the spread because his county ranks second in the highest number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state of Georgia.

“As the leader of 750,000 people, a county that has the second-highest number of infections, as I speak today, I can’t operate and lead the county based on hope,” explained Thurmond. “What we are going to do is plan and conduct ourselves with the expectation of the worst-case scenario because if in fact there’s a second wave or additional spike in cases in the next two, three weeks, it will be too late to respond at that point.”

In addition to having the second-highest number of COVID-19 cases in Georgia, according to the latest data collected by the Georgia Department of Public Health, DeKalb County ranks fifth in COVID-related deaths in the state.

In an effort to prevent the spread and protect the lives of DeKalb County residents, Thurmond says the county will distribute 10,000 COVID-19 Care Kits in DeKalb County neighborhoods with the highest infection rates over the next six weeks.

The COVID-19 Care Kits will include two disposable face masks, hand sanitizer and information about how the public can protect themselves from the virus.

During the conversation, Thurmond also said that the pandemic is a public health and economic crisis — and that it’s important for residents to know that the county is working diligently to provide resources and support.

“Even with stimulus checks, there are people who have to make the conscious decision on whether to invest in masks or buy bread or maintain shelter,” said Thurmond. “So we want to be proactive as much as we can to prevent the spread of this deadly disease.”

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