GA State Senator Brandon Beach Diagnosed With Covid-19
Updated: Senator Brandon Beach discloses he has Coronavirus:
State Sen. Brandon Beach (R-Alpharetta) announced this evening that he has tested positive for the coronavirus and is in quarantine at his home for at least the next 14 days. Beach was last at the Capitol for Monday’s special session.
“After experiencing a fever and cough, I sought medical attention last week,” Beach said. “The diagnosis I was given was not coronavirus, but I did get tested for it on Saturday. With medication, I felt better by Monday and thought I was in the clear. Today, however, my test came back positive.
“For now, I’m at home. I continue to suffer from a fever and cough, but I’m following doctor’s orders, including the admonition to stay away from the hospital unless it becomes difficult to breathe. I know many Georgians are praying hard as we weather this crisis together, and frankly, I’d ask that they pray for me, as well as all the others in our state who are going through this right now – and those who soon will.
“I know I face a difficult two weeks, but I’ll work to keep everyone updated on my progress. With the support of my wife – who is keeping a safe distance and so far doesn’t have symptoms – and my family and friends, I know I’ll get through this and get back to work for my constituents.”
Original Post:
An email sent this afternoon to State Senators and staff has notified them that one of their own has been diagnosed with Covid-19. The Senator was not named in the email.
Senators and Staff:
A member of the Georgia State Senate was diagnosed with COVID-19 today.
The senator manifested symptoms dating back to March 10. Last exposure was March 16.
The Georgia Department of Public health, Dr. Kathleen Toomey, director and the CDC has recommended that the Georgia State Senators and staff self-quarantine for 14 days. This will end on March 30.
According to the Center for Disease Controls quarantine “means the separation of a person or group of people reasonably believed to have been exposed to a communicable disease but not yet symptomatic, from others who have not been so exposed, to prevent the possible spread of the communicable disease.”
If you have any additional questions we recommend you contact your primary care provider.
John Porter
Chief of Staff, Office of the Lieutenant Governor
Senator Bruce Thompson has been public with recent health issues, posting the following on Facebook this morning. It has been confirmed that Senator Thompson is not the member referenced in the Senate email, however.
So, quick update: Great news is my team of incredible Doctors informed me yesterday that my condition has been upgraded significantly from when I arrived on Monday, and the terms critical & serious no longer apply!!! That means I should move out of ICU in another day or two! Sweet!
Many of you have asked if I have the Corona virus, and we don’t know yet. My first test a week ago was negative, but we hope to get the results of my second test today.
This is a very interesting and intense environment, and yet the Lord has already opened two doors for me. One situation allowed me to share with a sweet nurse struggling. After several conversations, I was able to share my childhood situation, and the opportunity to change that as a father now. When I finished, I was able to pray with her!!!!The other is a work in progress, but I’ve grown very fond of this dude. Originally, he was very closed but he has soften dramatically. Stay tuned!
There’s a reason the General Assembly is standing at ease right now, and this is it. Guidance on reducing the effects and spread of a pandemic require minimal contact of people from and into new populations. The meeting of a legislature (and most campaigning activities) are the exact opposite. It’s strangers meeting strangers, and personal contact is part of the job.
The protocol to isolate and have minimal personal contact should be taken seriously by anyone who was at the Georgia Capitol last week. That’s not panic, it’s just being prudent.
Meanwhile, I extend best wishes for a full recovery to Senator Thompson and the Senator not yet named.
About Author
Charlie
Founder of GeorgiaPol.com; Now weekly columnist Very interested in Georgia and Georginas. Interest in politics is waning daily.
Add a Comment
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Renee Unterman, the leading conservative candidate in the 7th Congressional District race, today released the following statement following notification that a member of the Georgia State Senate had tested positive for COVID-19:
“I was very concerned to hear one of my fellow legislators had tested positive for COVID-19, though I was not surprised, as epidemiologists have warned us of its infectious nature. I wish the affected legislator a full and speedy recovery, and I’ve called to say I’m here to support however possible. As our last date of contact was March 16, I will self-quarantine until March 30 out of an abundance of caution. This colleague and the many other Georgians affected by the COVID-19 pandemic are in my prayers. In these uncertain times, I appreciate the leadership of President Donald Trump and Gov. Brian Kemp, and I’m confident that as resilient Americans, we can unite to stop the spread of COVID-19.”
Unterman for Congress had already suspended all in-person events and door-to-door canvassing indefinitely at the advice of President Trump and Governor Kemp last week.
Entire Georgia Senate told to self-quarantine.
https://www.axios.com/coronavirus-georgia-senate-self-quarantine-advice-c0f6a3fb-16df-4c3e-a775-18055925f224.html
Marietta councilwoman tests positive (interesting story):
https://patch.com/georgia/marietta/ga-coronavirus-marietta-city-councilwoman-tests-positive?utm_term=article-slot-1&utm_source=newsletter-daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=newsletter
Wonder how many in the Senate have been in contact since Monday? I am sure they have been meeting with local leaders to discuss the COVID-19 situation.