STATESBORO — Governor Brian Kemp announced Wednesday morning that Georgia’s public health state of emergency will be extended through May 13, 2020.

The original emergency declaration was set to expire on April 13, 2020.

“This measure will allow us to continue to deploy resources to communities in need, lend support to frontline medical providers, and keep preparing as we brace for potential patient surge in our healthcare facilities,” Kemp said in a statement. “We deeply appreciate the hard work of Georgians who are sheltering in place, using social distancing, and helping us flatten the curve. We are in this fight together.”

As of now, the shelter-at-home order is still set to remain in effect through April 13.

Kemp will hold a press conference at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, April 8. He is expected to provide an update on the state’s response to COVID-19 and address the public health state of emergency and the shelter-at-home order. Watch here. 

Abby Fuller, The George-Anne News Reporter, gaeditor@georgiasouthern.edu