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Documents Obtained by Accountable.US Show Kemp’s Public Realization That COVID-19 Can Spread Asymptomatically Came Nearly Two Months After Experts’ Advice to the State

WASHINGTON, D.C. – New records obtained by Accountable.US reveal previously unreported details about Georgia Governor Brian Kemp’s failure to properly manage his state’s response to COVID-19, leaving public health officials with a severe lack of medical resources and putting the lives of Georgians at risk.

On Wednesday, Gov. Kemp said that he didn’t realize COVID-19 could be spread asymptomatically. But according to internal emails and documents obtained by Accountable.US, Georgia public health officials warned state clinicians that the virus could present and be spread asymptomatically as far back as February 11 — and the governor’s name appears on at least one of these warnings.

“It’s clear that Governor Kemp was either unprepared or unwilling to adequately respond to the COVID-19 public health crisis, and Georgia families are paying the price,” said Kyle Herrig, president of Accountable.US. “He seems to have learned the worst lessons from President Trump — mismanaging the response and misleading the public to deflect responsibility. Sadly, it’s a deadly combination.”

 These records, secured by Accountable.US through Georgia Open Records Act (GORA) requests, were first reported on by CNN in a story this morning. 

BACKGROUND:

Georgia Public Health Officials Had Been Warning That Coronavirus Could Be Spread Asymptomatically As Far Back As February 11, 2020—Gov. Kemp’s Own Name Appears On One March 13 Warning And Kathleen Toomey Appears To Have Attended A February 11 Presentation That Warned The Virus Could Spread Asymptomatically

Since At Least February 11, 2020, Georgia’s Public Health Department Authorities Have Repeatedly Warned That Coronavirus Could Present “Asymptomatic”…

  • A February 11, 2020 Presentation By The Georgia Board Of Public Health Explicitly Said Coronavirus’ “Clinical Presentation” May Be “Asymptomatic.” A Georgia Board of Public Health presentation dated February 11, 2020 explicitly said Coronavirus’ “clinical presentation varies in severity from asymptomatic infection or mild illness to severe or fatal illness.” [BOPH Meeting 02-11-2020 COVID-19.pdf, Pg. 10]
  • On March 13, 2020, The Georgia Department Of Public Health Explicitly Told Clinicians That Coronavirus Could Be “Asymptomatic.” On March 13, 2020, the Georgia Department Of Public Health issued guidance for clinicians which said, “COVID-19 clinical presentation varies in severity from asymptomatic infection or mild illness to sever or fatal illness.” [covid-19_healthcare_guidance_03_12_1.pdf, Pg. 1] 

…Brian Kemp And Kathleen Toomey’s Names Appear On The Header Of One Of These Official Guidance Documents And Toomey Herself Even Appears To Have Been Present At A State Presentation Where Officials Warned About Coronavirus’ Asymptomatic Spread. 

Kathleen Toomey’s Name Appears On The “Agenda” For The February 11, 2020 Presentation: 

[BOPH Meeting 02-11-2020 COVID-19.pdf, Pg. 10]

Brian Kemp And Kathleen Toomey Both Appear On The Header Of The March 13, 2020 Coronavirus Guidance: 

[covid-19_healthcare_guidance_03_12_1.pdf, Pg. 1]

As Recently As March 20, Georgia Officials Had Been Provided An HHS Call Center Script That Explicitly Said, “Even If You Do Not Have Symptoms, You Might Make Others Sick.”

On March 20, 2020, Georgia Public Health Authorities Were Given A Call Center Script From The Department Of Health And Human Services (HHS) That Said, “Even If You Do Not Have Symptoms, You Might Make Others Sick.”

  • On March 20, 2020 The U.S Department Of Health And Human Services Provided Georgia Officials A Call Center Script That Explicitly Said, “Even If You Do Not Have Symptoms, You Might Make Others Sick.” [Call Center Script_3_19 GENERAL.pdf]

[Call Center Script_3_19 GENERAL.pdf]

The Call Center Script Was Attached To A March 20, 2020 Email From The U.S. Department Of Health And Human Services To State And Local Authorities. [Fwd_ Please Disseminate_ Community-based Testin….pdf]

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