Mercedes-Benz Stadium in downtown Atlanta is hosting COVID-19 vaccine distribution. The move comes on the heels of the stadium also hosting early voting for the U.S. Senate runoff. 

“We are very proud to partner with Fulton County Board of Health to offer Mercedes-Benz Stadium to host vaccine distribution,” AMB Sports and Entertainment CEO Steve Cannon said in a press release. “This is a time for our communities to unite together and do what’s right for our citizens. Mercedes-Benz Stadium offers the opportunity to socially distance while servicing large numbers of people at once. We are honored to be a part of this solution and will do it as long as possible to serve our community.”

Georgia's rollout has come under criticism in the past weeks, as some, including Gov. Brian Kemp, have said that the state is not moving fast or efficiently enough to distribute the newly approved vaccine.

 

The state reported 145 COVID-related deaths Tuesday, the state’s highest single-day total recorded since the pandemic began. On Monday, Kemp opened up vaccinations to seniors, firefighters, law enforcement officers and first responders.

“We are overjoyed to partner with such a forward-thinking, community-minded organization as Mercedes-Benz Stadium and AMB Sports and Entertainment,” said Lynn Paxton, district health director with the Fulton County Board of Health. “Partnerships are essential to public health. These types of collaborations result in positive health outcomes as they ensure the quality and accessibility of health services to our community.”

As of 1:15 p.m., Jan. 13, there had been 648,694 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Georgia. Of those, 10,444 were fatal.

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