Here is the latest on the coronavirus for April 3rd.
Below is an archive for April 2
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More than 5,400 Georgians have now been infected with COVID-19, according to the figures released at 7 p.m. Nearly 180 people have died from the virus, with more than 1,110 people hospitalized. Scroll to read more.
At 11Alive News, our coverage of the coronavirus is rooted in Facts, not Fear. Visit the 11Alive coronavirus page for comprehensive coverage, find out what you need to know about Georgia specifically, learn more about the symptoms, and keep tabs on the cases around the world here. Have a question? Text it to us at 404-885-7600.
State and federal officials with the Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are continually monitoring the spread of the virus. They are also working hand-in-hand with the World Health Organization to track the spread around the world and to stop it.
We will continue to track the most important coronavirus elements relating to Georgia on this page. Refresh often for new information.
Key Facts:
- 176 deaths from the novel coronavirus in Georgia
- 5,444 confirmed cases across the state
- Gov. Kemp has ordered all public schools in the state to close through the end of the school year
- Public Health Emergency remains in effect
- Gov. Kemp signs statewide shelter-in-place order, effective from April 3 to 13
Thursday, April 2
More than 5,400 cases of COVID-19 in Georgia with 176 deaths
There are now 5,444 Georgians infected with the COVID-19 coronavirus, according to the state's figures released at 7 p.m. So far, 176 people have died from the virus, with 1,129 more people hospitalized.
There are now just about a dozen counties of Georgia's 159 without a confirmed case of COVID-19.
Fulton is now reporting 747 cases in the county with 23 deaths reported. Dougherty County is reporting 520 cases with 30 deaths. DeKalb is reporting the third most cases in the state with 409.
Cobb and Gwinnett counties are each reporting more than 300 cases, with Clayton, Bartow, Carroll, Henry and Lee counties all reporting more than 100 cases each.
County - Cases - Deaths
Fulton 747 23
Dougherty 521 30
DeKalb 409 8
Cobb 341 17
Gwinnett 303 8
Clayton 165 6
Bartow 153 4
Carroll 139 2
Henry 115 2
Lee 104 7
Cherokee 94 4
Floyd 78 2
Hall 72 0
Douglas 66 3
Rockdale 57 2
Clarke 55 7
Fayette 55 4
Forsyth 53 1
Houston 49 5
Coweta 48 2
Sumter 48 3
Terrell 47 2
Chatham 44 3
Early 42 1
Richmond 42 1
Mitchell 40 1
Newton 37 0
Paulding 35 0
Tift 29 0
Colquitt 28 2
Worth 28 1
Columbia 27 0
Lowndes 26 1
Muscogee 26 0
Bibb 25 1
Crisp 21 0
Glynn 21 0
Troup 21 1
Barrow 20 2
Gordon 20 1
Oconee 19 0
Spalding 17 1
Thomas 17 0
Polk 16 0
Walton 15 0
Laurens 14 0
Ware 14 2
Whitfield 14 1
Bryan 11 1
Dawson 11 0
Dooly 11 0
Jackson 11 0
Calhoun 10 1
Decatur 10 0
Pierce 10 0
Butts 9 0
Coffee 9 0
Meriwether 9 0
Pickens 9 1
Burke 8 0
Fannin 8 0
Greene 8 0
Baldwin 7 1
Clay 7 0
Liberty 7 0
Lumpkin 7 0
Murray 7 0
Peach 7 1
Bacon 6 0
Camden 6 0
Effingham 6 0
Haralson 6 0
Lamar 6 0
Monroe 6 0
Seminole 6 0
Turner 6 0
Upson 6 0
Washington 6 0
Catoosa 5 0
Dodge 5 0
Franklin 5 0
Harris 5 0
Irwin 5 0
Jones 5 0
Lincoln 5 0
Madison 5 1
Pulaski 5 0
Stephens 5 0
Toombs 5 1
Baker 4 1
Brooks 4 0
Bulloch 4 0
Mcduffie 4 1
Miller 4 0
Randolph 4 0
Schley 4 0
Warren 4 0
Appling 3 0
Banks 3 0
Ben Hill 3 0
Berrien 3 0
Chattooga 3 0
Hart 3 0
White 3 0
Chattahoochee 2 0
Clinch 2 0
Grady 2 0
Habersham 2 0
Heard 2 1
Jasper 2 0
Jefferson 2 0
Macon 2 0
Morgan 2 0
Pike 2 0
Putnam 2 0
Rabun 2 0
Screven 2 0
Tattnall 2 0
Taylor 2 0
Telfair 2 0
Twiggs 2 0
Walker 2 0
Wilkes 2 0
Bleckley 1 0
Candler 1 0
Charlton 1 0
Cook 1 0
Dade 1 0
Emanuel 1 0
Gilmer 1 0
Jenkins 1 0
Johnson 1 0
Lanier 1 0
Long 1 0
Mcintosh 1
Oglethorpe 1 1
Stewart 1 0
Talbot 1 0
Union 1 0
Webster 1 0
Wheeler 1 0
Wilcox 1 0
Wilkinson 1 0
Unknown 665 4
Statewide shelter-in-place order signed by Kemp
Gov. Brian Kemp has signed the state's shelter-in-place order. The order takes effect Friday, April 3 and will be in place until April 13. Anyone who violates the order would be found guilty of a misdemeanor.
Under the order, all residents and visitors are told to take "every possible precaution to limit social interaction" and prevent the spread of COVID-19, unless they are participating in essential services, performing necessary travel, are traveling to and from their place of employment or are part of or participating in the use of "critical infrastructure."
In addition to social distancing, businesses are not allowed to have more than 10 people gathered at a single location. Businesses that are in operation are also being ordered to take measures to decrease the exposure and spread of the coronavirus by screening and evaluating workers who show signs of illness, enhancing the "sanitation of the workforce," and suspending the use of PIN devices.
The order allows those with the Department of Public Health, the Department of Public Safety, or "any other state department or state officer deputized by the Governor or the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency" are authorized to close any business not in compliance.
The order also overrides all other previous shelter-in-place orders issued by local municipalities.
While violators could face misdemeanor charges, the order also says that officials who are enforcing the order should "take reasonable steps to provide notice prior to issuing a citation or making an arrest."
U.S. Transportation Secretary announces $370.9M to help Atlanta transportation systems respond to Pandemic
U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao announced $370.9 million to help public transportation systems in Atlanta respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. These federal funds are a part of the $25 billion Secretary Chao announced today to help the nation’s public transportation systems respond to COVID-19.
“This historic $25 billion in grant funding will ensure our nation’s public transportation systems can continue to provide services to the millions of Americans who depend on them,” Chao said.
According to the secretary's office, the money was made available when the President signed the CARES Act on Friday. The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration will administer the $25 billion to the public transportation industry, which will be available to capital, operating and other expenses including fair box recovery, overtime for employees, and expenses like extra hand sanitizer for workers and the traveling public. Also, if a transit operator is put on administrative leave due to reductions in service or has to self-quarantine, funding will be available to cover the worker’s salary..
Chattahoochee National Forests close additional recreation areas
The Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests is temporarily shutting down all dispersed camping corridors, day-use areas, trailhead facilities and other recreation sites on the Blue Ridge Ranger District to protect public health and safety.
The decision aligns with state and local measures to stop the spread of COVID-19, and guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
“We continually consult with local leaders in our communities, in order to be in alignment with local decisions that protect human health and safety,” said Edward Hunter, Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests’ acting forest supervisor. “The health and safety of our employees and the public remain our top priority.”
The latest information about recreation sites is available at www.fs.usda.gov/conf, also on Facebook and Twitter at @ChattOconeeNF.
Cobb County extends stay-at-home order until April 24
Chairman Mike Boyce signed a supplement to the Declaration of Emergency that extends the Declaration until April 24th and further defines “non-essential” businesses that must immediately close.
The order also provides more detailed guidance on the “shelter-in-place” order and adds additional requirements to grocery and essential retail stores to enforce social distancing.
Morehouse College to postpone, cancel most summer programs
Sixteen summer programs hosted at Morehouse College will be postponed or canceled to "protect students, faculty, and staff from the spread of the novel coronavirus disease," they said on Thursday. Five other programs will move online.
Summer programs at Morehouse College attract hundreds of elementary, middle, and high school students, they said. College students also attend enrichment programs on campus and participate in internships.
Department of Justice makes $15 million available to Georgia to help public safety agencies
The Department of Justice has announced that it is making $850 million available to help public safety agencies respond to the challenges posed by the outbreak of COVID-19. Of that, $15 million has been designated for Georgia.
The Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program, authorized by the recent stimulus legislation signed by President Trump, will allow eligible state, local and tribal governments to apply immediately for these critical funds. The department is moving quickly to make awards, with the goal of having funds available for drawdown within days of the award.
“Law enforcement resources are stretched thin at every level,” said U.S. Attorney Byung J. “BJay” Pak. “These funds will be used to directly reinforce critical needs as leaders work to address every contingency.”
Gwinnett launches COVID-19 call center
Gwinnett County Government is making sure residents have multiple outlets to turn to with questions regarding the stay at home order surrounding COVID-19.
County officials asking residents to use this website to answer general questions regarding the local emergency order. The county says that if you cannot find an answer there, then you should call their dedicated COVID-19 Emergency Order Call Center at 770.822.7399.
The call center is staffed Monday through Friday from 8 am to 7 pm. Residents are also able to email any questions to GC-License-Revenue@gwinnettcounty.com.
Rockdale sheriff gets tested for COVID-19, says he's feeling ill after coming into contact with employee with virus
The Rockdale County sheriff is issuing an urgent reminder for people to take all precautions they can to stop the spread the COVID-19 coronavirus after he himself started feeling ill after coming into contact with someone who tested positive for the virus.
Sheriff Eric J. Levett shared the message on his office's Facebook page Wednesday night, explaining that he began to feel ill shortly after lunch Friday, March 27.
"I went home and checked my temperature and it was elevated. I then contacted my primary physician who advised me to self-quarantine as a precaution," Sheriff Levett wrote.
GHSA cancels spring sports, rules out extra eligibility and moving seasons
The Georgia High School Association (GHSA) announced after its electronic Board of Trustees meeting, Thursday, that spring sports and activities were canceled for the remainder of the school year. The announcement came one day after Governor Brian Kemp announced that schools in Georgia would remain closed for the rest of the current school year.
"Given the announcement yesterday by Governor Kemp, it is with a heavy heart that I inform you that all GHSA activities and sports are canceled for the 2019-2020 school year. I especially want to commend the graduating seniors who have not only missed most of the spring season but prom, senior nights, awards ceremonies, possibly graduation, and spent the last few months away from their friends and classmates. Our seniors have a great deal to be proud of and while this is not the way any of us wanted it to end, I want to thank them for a job well done," GHSA executive director Dr. Robin Hines said in a statement.
Confirmed cases top 5,000 with 163 deaths
The Georgia Department of Health announced new cases of COVID-19 on Thursday. As of Noon, there are 5,348 confirmed cases of the virus and 163 deaths reported. This is up from the 4,748 confirmed cases and 154 deaths that they announced on Wednesday evening.
Of the 5,348 confirmed cases, 712 are in Fulton, 507 are in Dougherty, 396 are in DeKalb, 329 are in Cobb and 282 are in Gwinnett. In all, there are cases reported in 142 counties (778 cases are listed as unknown counties). For a breakdown by county, view the 11Alive interactive map.
They said 1,056 patients are hospitalized with COVID-19.
Of the confirmed cases, 1 percent are between the ages of 0-17, while 59 percent are 18-59 years old, 36 percent are over 60 and 4 percent are unknown. 52 percent are female, and 46 percent are male.
In total, 20,756 tests were conducted at commercial labs, reporting 4,980 positive cases. At the Department of Public Health Laboratory, 2,201 tests were conducted with 368 positive results.
County - Cases - Deaths
Fulton 712 22
Dougherty 507 29
Dekalb 396 6
Cobb 329 17
Gwinnett 282 6
Clayton 148 5
Bartow 147 4
Carroll 133 2
Henry 108 2
Lee 100 7
Cherokee 92 4
Hall 72 0
Floyd 71 2
Douglas 60 3
Clarke 54 7
Rockdale 54 2
Fayette 52 4
Forsyth 51 1
Houston 47 5
Terrell 46 2
Sumter 45 3
Chatham 44 2
Coweta 44 2
Early 41 1
Richmond 41 1
Mitchell 39 1
Newton 36 0
Paulding 33 0
Tift 28 0
Worth 28 1
Columbia 27 0
Lowndes 25 1
Muscogee 25 0
Bibb 24 1
Colquitt 23 1
Crisp 21 0
Barrow 20 2
Glynn 20 0
Gordon 20 1
Troup 20 1
Oconee 18 0
Spalding 18 1
Polk 16 0
Thomas 15 0
Whitfield 15 1
Laurens 14 0
Walton 14 0
Ware 14 2
Dawson 11 0
Dooly 11 0
Jackson 11 0
Bryan 10 1
Calhoun 10 1
Pierce 10 0
Butts 9 0
Coffee 9 0
Decatur 9 0
Meriwether 9 0
Burke 8 0
Greene 8 0
Pickens 8 1
Baldwin 7 1
Lamar 7 0
Liberty 7 0
Lumpkin 7 0
Peach 7 1
Bacon 6 0
Camden 6 0
Effingham 6 0
Fannin 6 0
Haralson 6 0
Monroe 6 0
Murray 6 0
Seminole 6 0
Upson 6 0
Clay 5 0
Franklin 5 0
Harris 5 0
Irwin 5 0
Jones 5 0
Lincoln 5 0
Stephens 5 0
Turner 5 0
Baker 4 1
Catoosa 4 0
Madison 4 1
Mcduffie 4 1
Miller 4 0
Pulaski 4 0
Randolph 4 0
Toombs 4 0
Warren 4 0
Washington 4 0
Appling 3 0
Banks 3 0
Ben Hill 3 0
Berrien 3 0
Brooks 3 0
Bulloch 3 0
Chattooga 3 0
Dodge 3 0
Hart 3 0
Schley 3 0
White 3 0
Chattahoochee 2 0
Clinch 2 0
Grady 2 0
Habersham 2 0
Heard 2 1
Jasper 2 0
Jefferson 2 0
Macon 2 0
Morgan 2 0
Pike 2 0
Putnam 2 0
Rabun 2 0
Screven 2 0
Tattnall 2 0
Taylor 2 0
Twiggs 2 0
Walker 2 0
Wilkes 2 0
Bleckley 1 0
Candler 1 0
Charlton 1 0
Cook 1 0
Dade 1 0
Emanuel 1 0
Gilmer 1 0
Jenkins 1 0
Johnson 1 0
Lanier 1 0
Long 1 0
Mcintosh 1 0
Oglethorpe 1 1
Stewart 1 0
Talbot 1 0
Union 1 0
Webster 1 0
Wheeler 1 0
Wilcox 1 0
Wilkinson 1 0
Unknown 778 1
Things to know on Thursday
- Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp said he plans to sign two orders. The first will require all residents to shelter-in-place from Friday, April 3 through April 13. He also will sign an order closing all K-12 public schools through the end of the year.
- All Fulton County residents ordered to shelter in place, violators can face fines and or jail
- Costco and Home Depot among stores limiting number of customers allowed inside at once
- Cumming mayor rescinds social distance order just hours after signing it, then changes mind again and issues new one
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