Gov. Brian Kemp said Thursday that testing for COVID-19 will be prioritized to people in the most vulnerable populations and first responders.

Among those who will be tested if they are ill include Georgia’s elderly, anyone with chronic and underlying health conditions and anyone living in an assisted-living facility or nursing home. It will also include frontline health care workers, first responders, staffers at long-term care facilities and law enforcement.

“This will conserve precious medical supplies – like masks, shoe covers and gowns -- which are becoming increasingly difficult to find for healthcare facilities due to overuse, export bans and hoarding,” the governor said in a news release. “The best way to serve the public is to protect the people who are protecting us in this battle.”

Federal and state health officials have said people who do not have symptoms of COVID-19 do not need to be tested, nor do most people who are mildly or moderately ill with cold-like symptoms. Officials say the majority of people with COVID-19 can safely recover from home with self-isolation and treatment of the symptoms. Being diagnosed with COVID-19 would not change the treatment patients would receive, officials said.

Older adults and people who have severe underlying medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19 and should always consult their healthcare provider if they are sick.

“It is our responsibility to keep the elderly and chronically ill safe, back our law enforcement and first responders, and protect the doctors, nurses, and healthcare providers working around the clock. We ask everyone to continue to pray for our nation in the weeks ahead,” the governor said.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued revised guidance on COVID-19 recovery. The most important step in containing COVID-19 is that people who are sick with mild respiratory symptoms – fever and cough – should stay home and isolate themselves from others for at least seven days after their symptoms began or 72 hours after their fever has ended and symptoms have improved. If you have been exposed to an individual with COVID-19, you must self-quarantine for 14 days and monitor for symptoms.

Kemp and Dr. Kathleen Toomey, commissioners of the Department of Public Health, will hold a media briefing tomorrow at 4 p.m. today. It will be livestreamed on AccessWDUN by clicking here.