ATLANTA — For the latest updates on coronavirus in Georgia, visit this link for March 20: https://bit.ly/2IYA1pA
Below is an archive.
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At 11Alive News, our coverage of the coronavirus is rooted in facts, not fear.
Have a question? Text it to us at 404-873-9114.
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:
- 10 deaths from the coronavirus in Georgia
- 287 confirmed cases in Georgia
- Gov. Kemp orders all public schools in state to close until end of the month
- Public Health Emergency in effect
Thursday, March 19
Emory-owned nursing home confirms first COVID-19 case
A nursing center resident in DeKalb County has been removed from the facility and is receiving care after testing positive for coronavirus.
Budd Terrace, a nursing center that is part of Emory Healthcare, said that it was notified of its first confirmed case of COVID-19.
Residents and staff in the facility are being monitored for symptoms and Emory said proper protocols and guidelines have been followed to disinfect and clean the appropriate spaces in the facility.
"Emory Healthcare adheres to the most stringent protocols to ensure infection prevention throughout our health care system," the organization said in a statement.
The facility is located on Clifton Road near Emory university Hosptial at Wesley Woods just inside DeKalb County. The nursing facility also has several signs around it cautioning the public that it is a senior living community and "not a COVID-19 testing site."
Doraville sets emergency restrictions
Doraville has enacted mandatory restrictions on city restaurants, bars and other businesses to help curb the spread of coronavirus. Enforcement will begin on Friday night at 11:59 p.m. It will continue through the end of the day on March 31.
According to the ordinance, restaurants, bars and other businesses that sell food and beverages will be closed to in-person dining, consumption of alcohol or other business activities.
All massage, manicure, hairstyling or personal grooming services must also discontinue business through March 31 or longer.
APS superintendent reports district's first COVID-19 case
Atlanta Public Schools Superintendent Meria Carstarphen has confirmed that an employee has contracted coronavirus.
Carstarphen took to Twitter to alert the public that Fulton Health had found that an employee of North Atlanta High School had been tested and was positive for the COVID-19 strain of the virus which is now present in all 50 states with hundreds of cases already in Georgia.
Emory University student test positive for coronavirus
An Emory University student who currently lives on campus has tested-positive for COVID-19. The student is a resident at 12 Eagle Row, the school said.
In an alert to the Emory community, the school said the student is in "satisfactory condition" and is self-isolating in an off-campus housing unit provided by the university.
The school added that the student's roommate is also in isolation, and their residence has been cleaned and disinfected. Both are being supported by the Student Health Services and Campus life staff, the school said.
City of LaGrange declares state of emergency
The LaGrange Mayor and City Council have declared a state of emergency for the next 60 days.
As a result the community can expect the following changes from the City of LaGrange:
- Most city buildings are now closed to the public. Public safety including the LaGrange Police Department and the LaGrange Fire Department remain open with a few restrictions
- The City of LaGrange Municipal Court and Probation Services will be closed to the public. Defendants scheduled to appear in court Monday, March 23rd through Tuesday, April 14th will be rescheduled at a later date.
- The deadline for purchasing or obtaining a business license is extended to 15 days after the emergency declaration expires.
- Public gatherings on public property owned or controlled by the city are prohibited. This does not includes sidewalks, The Thread or designated pedestrian areas.
For more information on local resources please visit coronavirus.lagrangega.org.
Georgia attorney general self-quarantining
Attorney General Chris Carr said he will quarantine for 14 days
In a statement on Twitter, Carr said it was brought to his attention that he had an "interaction" nine days ago with someone who has now tested positive for COVID-19. As a result, he will begin a 14-day quarantine, that will conclude on April 2.
"During this time, I will - safely and appropriately - continue to fulfill my duties as attorney general," he said. "My wish for all Georgians is that we all stay safe and stay positive."
These are where the COVD-19 deaths occurred in Georgia
The coronavirus has now killed 10 people across the state with four deaths happening in one county. Here is a breakdown of the counties where deaths have occurred.
Dougherty - 4
Fulton - 2
Cobb - 1
Early - 1
Floyd - 1
Fayette - 1
COVID-19 hotline set up by state
In an afternoon press conference, Georgia governor Brian Kemp announced the state now has a dedicated hotline for all COVID-19 inquiries.
The number can be used for the following:
- Asking for the symptoms for COVID-19
- Should someone get tested
- Reporting possible scams
The number for the hotline is 844-442-2681.
Kemp said the hotline is receiving 700 to 800 calls a day.
Anyone who may have or thinks they may have the virus is asked to contact their primary care doctor or an urgent care clinic. They are urged to not show up unannounced at an emergency room or health care facility.
32 positive COVID-19 patients reported at one Cartersville hospital
Cartersville Medical Center in Bartow County said on Thursday that since March 9, there have been 32 positive COVID-19 patients (with twelve who currently remain as inpatients). They said there have been 15 patients who have tested negative to date and 39 patients in the house awaiting test results.
Of these cases, 31 patients, including inpatient and ER patients, have been discharged following CDC and public health guidance for self-quarantine, they told 11Alive.
"We are following infection prevention protocols for COVID-19 patients, including isolation, to help ensure the safety of our colleagues, patients, and visitors, and we continue to work closely with the CDC and Georgia Department of Public Health," a hospital official said.
The hospital also said they have a “no visitor” policy in effect with certain exceptions and allowances.
"Like other hospitals in our area, having enough testing capabilities is an issue we continue to monitor, and we appreciate the Georgia Department of Public Health’s diligent work in this area," they said.
State launches hotline for citizens
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp said the state is receiving 700-800 calls per day on its COVID-19 hotline.
The phone number for the hotline is: 844-442-2681.
If you believe that you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or have been exposed to coronavirus, please contact your primary care doctor or an urgent care clinic, not the hotline.
Governor Kemp provides latest on coronavirus in Georgia
Governor Kemp and Georgia Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. Kathleen Toomey gave a briefing on COVID-19 at 4:30 p.m. You can watch the replay from the Georgia State Capitol below.
Georgia Power Foundation investing $1M to support state's recovery effort
Georgia Power Foundation is investing $1 million to support the state in addressing the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, which they announced on Thursday.
“Our customers, communities, and state are facing unique human and economic challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Paul Bowers, chairman, president and CEO of Georgia Power. “This investment by our foundation is in addition to the $1.5 million that Georgia Power has already committed by way of partnerships such as Project Share to help meet the basic needs of those impacted.”
They said this investment will particularly go toward food insecurity, homelessness, and displaced workers.
Georgia colleges, universities look to partially refund students
All 26 University System of Georgia institutions are "working as quickly as possible" to issue partial refunds to students, they said on Thursday.
USG officials said they are particularly working on getting the refunds to those who were required to move out of on-campus housing and those who no longer have access to dining services.
Other fees may also be partially refunded, they said, and added that more information would be released in the days ahead.
Atlanta United, MLS look to restart season in May
Major League Soccer has extended the postponement of its matches to May 10. They said "MLS remains focused on playing the entire 2020 season" and is evaluating all options, including pushing back the end of the season and playing MLS Cup in December, as the league did prior to the 2019 season.
They hoped the initial postponement would only be for 30 days.
"As always, we appreciate your support and value your commitment to the club, and hope that you and your family remain safe," Atlanta United officials said in a letter to fans.
Publix added to list of grocers offering special hours for seniors
A growing trend among retailers is offering special hours for seniors and those most vulnerable to coronavirus.
The grocer announced they are designating Tuesday and Wednesday from 7 – 8 a.m., as senior shopping hours for customers age 65 and over. This will begin Tuesday, March 24, and continue until further notice. Publix Pharmacy will also open at 7 a.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
For a complete list of retailers offering these hours, click here.
Cases of COVID-19 continue to rise in Georgia, death toll climbs
The Georgia Department of Health announced new cases of COVID-19 on Thursday. As of Noon, there are 287 confirmed cases of the virus and 10 deaths reported. This is up from 197 confirmed cases that they announced on Wednesday.
Of the 287 confirmed cases, 66 are in Fulton, 37 in Cobb, 26 in Bartow and 22 in DeKalb. In all, there are cases reported in 35 counties (6 cases are listed as unknown counties). For a breakdown by county, view the 11Alive interactive map.
Of the confirmed cases, 1 percent are between the ages of 0-17, while 46 percent are 18-59 years old, 35 percent are over 60 and 18 percent are unknown.
Atlanta mayor signs order limiting restaurants to take-out, closing bars and gyms
Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms signed an executive order Thursday limiting all restaurants to takeout service, closing bars and closing gyms, effective at midnight.
"The fate of cities across the globe will be upon soon if we do not follow recommendations on ways to slow the spread of the coronavirus," she said.
The order includes closing bars, gyms, movie theaters, nightclubs, bowling alleys and private social clubs.
She said on Twitter that she is looking into an ordinance to allow restaurants to offer take-out and delivery of alcoholic beverages.
The ordinance for all restaurants to cease dining room service does not include hospitals, nursing homes or similar facilities.
She also signed an order halting towing and booting for cars in the right of way -- as patrons pick up food at restaurants.
Clark Atlanta University graduation delayed, student emergency fund launched
Clark Atlanta University graduates will be able to walk across the stage to accept their diploma, they announced on social media. It just won't be in the spring as originally planned. They said spring commencement will now be held in December.
The university also announced a student emergency fund. For more ways to support current students with essential expenses, please visit the website.
Things to know this morning
- A state senator from Alpharetta says he has coronavirus.
- The fourth death from the coronavirus was confirmed in Georgia.
- Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan has announced he will self-quarantine after a member of the Georgia State Senate tested positive for COVID-19.
- Small businesses in any of Georgia's 159 counties now have the opportunity to apply for an emergency loan following an update from Gov. Brian Kemp.
- The city of Lawrenceville has issued a local state of emergency to help combat the spread of coronavirus in Gwinnett's county seat.
- Simon properties said that they are closing all of their retail properties, including Malls, Premium Outlets and Mills in the U.S. starting at 7 p.m. Wednesday through March 29.
- City of South Fulton Mayor William “Bill” Edwards issued a state of emergency on Wednesday, which includes a 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. curfew.
- City of Marietta officials confirmed that an old Radisson Hotel off of Parkway Plaza is being leased by the Federal Government.
- Delta flight capacity to be cut by 70% nearly 10K employees take unpaid leave
- A staff member who works in the athletics department at the University of Georgia has tested positive for COVID-19.
For more information on all of these archived stories check here.
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