Sandy Springs, Georgia — This evening, Rep. Lucy McBath (GA-06) hosted a COVID-19 Telephone Town Hall for residents of Georgia’s Sixth Congressional District. This is the 15th Town Hall event McBath has held during the 116th Congress. More than 1,800 residents took part in the conversation, which included expert presentations from local public health experts and medical professionals who have been on the forefront of vaccine development during the COVID-19 pandemic. Joining the call were leading medical experts, Dr. Carlos del Rio and Dr. Colleen Kelley of Emory University and the Moderna vaccine trial at Grady, as well as Senator-elect Dr. Michelle Au, a physician and public health expert.

“I am so encouraged by the recent reports of progress in vaccine development,” McBath said. “Our district is blessed to have such talented and dedicated experts like Dr. del Rio, Dr. Kelley, and Dr. Au working to protect our health and safety. I am continuing to fight to provide relief for struggling families and I look forward to supporting additional legislation that includes vital and necessary aid. As we anticipate the arrival of a COVID-19 vaccine, I encourage all residents to continue observing public health recommendations and best practices to minimize the spread of this deadly virus. Wash your hands, wear a mask, and keep physical distance from others. Together, we can defeat this pandemic.” 

“The COVID-19 pandemic has been an unprecedented event in which millions of Americans have been infected and thousands have died”, said Dr. del Rio. “In Georgia we have had over half a million infections and over nine thousand have died. As we are approaching the holidays it is important for people to be careful, to avoid congregating in closed, poorly ventilated spaces, and to continue wearing a mask and socially distancing. Staying safe and healthy will get you ready to be vaccinated against COVID-19 in 2021.”

“Science has brought us a solution---safe and effective COVID vaccines have ignited the light at the end of a very dark tunnel,” said Dr. Kelley. “At Emory and Grady, we were so privileged and proud to be able to contribute to the clinical trials that will change the world. We have great hope for the end of this pandemic that has brought us more challenges and sorrow than we ever could have imagined.  There are likely to be shortages of vaccine for the next few months, so we must remain patient and continue to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe with masks and distancing until vaccines are readily available for all to get.”

“The power of public health is exercised through policy,” said Dr. Au. “That is why it is so incredibly important for medical professionals to be involved not just in the science, and the data, and the patient care, but also in its application through informing and guiding legislative action. As a physician, I have seen firsthand the clinical effects of COVID on our communities. As State Senator-elect, I look forward to addressing some of the larger social determinants of health that have magnified the effects of the pandemic in Georgia and working together to build a healthier future for our state.”

Any resident in need of additional resources or assistance with any federal agency is encouraged to contact Rep. McBath’s Sandy Springs District Office by calling (470) 773-6330 or emailing casework.mcbath@mail.house.gov.