Just when she needed a high-profile political ally, Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms has gotten a big one: New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

The two Democrats have struck a friendship that will pay dividends to Atlanta’s bid to help mitigate the coronavirus pandemic.

Cuomo tweeted Wednesday that he is sending to Atlanta 7,500 test kits, 30,000 pieces of personal protective equipment (PPE) and 1,250 gallons of hand sanitizer.

The items are scheduled to arrive on Friday, the governor said.

“When New York was in need, volunteers from around the country came here to help. We vowed to pay that generosity forward,” he said.

Bottoms retweeted the message, adding, “My mother often says, ‘A friend, in need, is a friend indeed.’ We are grateful to have a friend in @NYGovCuomo and the people of NY.”

The help comes as Bottoms navigates an icy relationship with Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, who slapped her hand days earlier when the mayor of the state’s largest city instituted a mask mandate.

“Atlanta Mayor Keisha Bottoms’ action today is merely guidance – both non-binding and legally unenforceable. As clearly stated in my executive orders, no local action can be more or less restrictive, and that rule applies statewide,” Kemp tweeted.

“If the Mayor actually wants to flatten the curve in Atlanta, she should start enforcing state restrictions, which she has failed to do.

Meanwhile Georgia’s COVID-19 numbers continue to climb, putting a strain on hospitals.

Atlantafi.com is bringing you the latest on the coronavirus pandemic, which has the state of Georgia and the city of Atlanta under a state of emergency. More definitive advice on health, please visit CDC.gov. Here are some helpful links:

 
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