ATLANTA – The Georgia Legislative Black Caucus (GLBC), chaired by State Rep. Karen Bennett (D-Stone Mountain), is urging Gov. Brian Kemp to reinstate Georgia’s shelter-in-place order until officials can determine why there are so many blacks suffering from COVID-19.
The black lawmakers say they are concerned about a recent study by the Centers for Disease Control that shows black Georgians are disproportionately suffering from COVID-19.
The GLBC issued the following statement:
“At a time when Gov. Kemp has reopened certain businesses and allowed the shelter-in-place order to sunset, this revealing study highlights what many in our community already know: African Americans are disproportionately suffering from COVID-19. In a CDC study of 305 persons hospitalized for COVID-19, 83 percent of were black Georgians. For families and businesses, the devastation might be incalculable and unimaginable.
“Based on this data, we urge the governor to issue another shelter-in-place executive order, investigate why African Americans are more susceptible to this disease, oversee efforts to allocate medical resources into black communities, start a statewide education campaign targeting minorities and appropriate federal and state dollars to stave off home loss, business closures and potential bankruptcies stemming from COVID-19.
“As always, the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus is prepared to assist in this effort. We will continue to work for all Georgians, but clearly some targeted interventions are necessary.”
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