Cobb Reporter

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp recently deployed approximately 200 National Guard members to assist with challenges that have arisen due to the omicron variant of COVID-19.

The guard members were deployed to several locations to assist with testing and hospital staffing as hospitals once again become overwhelmed, Fox 5 Atlanta reported. With the labor shortage, hospitals often aren't able to cope with the number of patients entering their doors.

"Kemp said about 96 personnel will be assigned among the state's 16 different health districts and the Georgia Department of Public Health warehouse to assist with testing, logistical support, and other needs that should arise," Fox 5 Atlanta reported. "Those districts include the North Health District, the Cobb and Douglas Health District, the Fulton Health District, the Gwinnett, Newton, Rockdale (GNR) Health District, the DeKalb Health District, the East Central Health District, and the West Central Health District."

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

The number of omicron variant cases have risen drastically, with hospitals quickly running out of room and staff, Fox 5 Atlanta reported. Kemp hopes that the additional staffing will help increase testing and treatment capabilities.

The Georgia Department of Public Health urges people to avoid going to hospitals unless they are suffering from severe symptoms, Fox 5 Atlanta reported.