The University System of Georgia will help the state increase its capacity to test for COVID-19.
USG is working in partnership with state health officials and Emory University to expand the state’s ability to test patients. Gov. Brian Kemp’s office says once the plan is implemented, the labs will process over 3,000 tests per day. Georgia has more than 4,000 confirmed cases of the coronavirus.
Labs at Georgia State University, the University of Georgia, Georgia Tech and Augusta University are all involved in the effort to increase testing.
“[Those schools have] had constant contact with the National Guard and others about organizing that testing ramp-up and the protocols that need to be involved,” said USG Chancellor Steve Wrigley. “It’s very complex, and I appreciate their willingness to jump in and participate as a way to be supportive of the state’s overall response to the virus.”
A national testing shortage has hindered the country’s response to COVID-19, according to an analysis from the Associated Press. Some have also criticized Kemp for Georgia’s testing lag and for his reluctance to issue statewide stay-at-home orders. He says the testing increase should give state officials better data about how the virus is progressing.
