ATL Standard

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp recently deployed approximately 200 National Guard members in the state as cases of the omicron variant are once again on the rise.

The deployment is due to a dangerous uptick in cases of COVID-19 brought about by the omicron variant, with the intent of helping with testing and hospital staffing, Fox 5 Atlanta reported.

Approximately 96 guard members have been assigned to 16 different health districts throughout the state, as well as the Georgia Department of Public Health warehouse, Fox 5 Atlanta reported.

The remainder of the guard members have been deployed to hospital systems throughout the state, which include Phoebe Putney Albany, Piedmont Atlanta, Upson Regional Medical Center Thomaston, Wellstar, Piedmont Henry, University Health Care System, Northeast Georgia Medical Center, Atrium Health Navicent, Grady Health System, Houston Medical Center and Tanner Health System, Fox 5 Atlanta reported.

The guard is intended help fill the void left by the alarming amount of health care workers who are off the job due to a positive COVID-19 test, especially those who work with coronavirus-infected patients on a daily basis, Fox 5 Atlanta reported.

In an effort to prevent further infecting front line health care workers, the Georgia Department of Public Health urges people looking for COVID-19 testing to avoid going to emergency departments unless they are dealing with severe symptoms, Fox 5 Atlanta reported.