COVID-19

Martin Luther King’s Daughter Named To Georgia Coronavirus Outreach Group

April 5th, 2020

Bernice King is shown in front of an image of her parents, civil rights leaders Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King, at an event in January. Bernice King will co-chair a new coronavirus outreach committee, Gov. Brian Kemp announced Sunday.

The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s daughter will help lead a new outreach committee in Georgia as the state copes with the coronavirus, Gov. Brian Kemp announced Sunday.

Bernice King, CEO of The King Center, will co-chair the committee with Engaged Futures Group LLC President Leo Smith, Kemp said. More than a dozen other members, including business and nonprofit leaders, make up the committee.

“Comprised of talented individuals from the public and private sectors, I am confident this committee will ensure that our state remains prepared in the fight against COVID-19,” the Republican governor said in a statement Sunday.

Officials did not immediately release additional details about what the committee will do.

Georgia has seen more than 200 deaths in the state and more than 1,200 have been hospitalized. Total infections confirmed in the state exceed 6,600.

For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause severe illness, including pneumonia, and death.