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Georgia Governor Boosts Hospital Staffing Amid COVID Surge

Troy Stolt/Chattanooga Times Free Press via AP

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp says the state will spend another $125 million to increase staffing at hospitals amid a surge in coronavirus cases that has forced them to turn patients away.

The governor said at a news conference Monday the money will fund another 1,500 health care workers through the beginning of December. It comes on top of $500 million the state has previously allocated that is funding 1,300 staff members at 68 hospitals.

Kemp also announced he's closing state offices on the Friday before Labor Day to encourage unvaccinated employees to get the shot. But he continued his opposition to vaccine or mask mandates.

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