ATLANTA – State Representative Dave Belton (R-Buckhead) today issued the following statement regarding the state’s plan to utilize Hard Labor Creek State Park in Morgan County as a monitoring location for possible COVID-19 cases:
“On Monday, March 9, my office, along with State Senator Burt Jones (R-Jackson), was made aware of the state’s plan of action to designate Hard Labor Creek State Park as an isolation and monitoring location for COVID-19 patients, commonly referred to as coronavirus.
“As the state of Georgia and our entire nation continue to take preemptive actions focused on keeping as many citizens as possible safe from the spread of COVID-19, I want to address some concerns about Hard Labor Creek State Park being designated and assure our communities that your safety is of utmost importance, and no plans have been put in motion to potentially cause harm to our community or any communities involved in emergency preparedness plans moving forward.
“Although we are all learning of these plans after the fact, a plan must be devised for worst case scenarios for the entire state. And, within those plans to keep our populations safe, this is the worst case scenario plan of action, which is part of a bigger plan of action that may or may not be necessary.
“The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) coordinates with state agencies across the nation in preparing for and responding to all domestic disasters, such as the current spread of COVID-19.
“FEMA has provided the Department of Public Health with emergency trailers that are highly equipped with handling the demands of potential COVID-19 patients. These emergency trailers provide life-saving and life-supporting commodities and medical resources that will sustain, support and restore supplies necessary for potential patients if and when the need arises.
“There are seven of these high-proficiency FEMA trailers currently at Hard Labor Creek State Park. Right now, only one patient is being transported there. This patient is merely displaying symptoms, but has not been confirmed as having COVID-19. Only patients who may have been exposed to COVID-19 but are not exhibiting signs of actually having contracted the disease will be transferred to the FEMA facilities at Hard Labor Creek State Park. These quarantined patients will be monitored 24-hours each day by public safety officials and qualified health care professionals.
“I encourage each of you to continue using safe practices such as washing your hands, contacting your doctor if you show any signs of cold or flu and remaining in your homes if you experience cold or flu-like symptoms. Although COVID-19 symptoms look eerily like the common cold or flu, there have been no confirmed cases in the 25th Senate district or any of its surrounding counties.
“I ask for your patience and understanding as Governor Brian Kemp, the Department of Public Health, the Department of Public Safety and the Department of Natural Resources all work together for our safety during this time.”
Representative Dave Belton represents the citizens of District 112, which includes Morgan County and the eastern side of Newton County. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 2014 and currently serves as Chairman of the Special Rules Committee and as Secretary of the Interstate Cooperation Committee. He also serves on the Appropriations Subcommittee on Public Safety and on the Economic Development & Tourism, Education and Energy, Utilities & Telecommunications committees. He is a member of the Working Group on Creative Arts & Entertainment.
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