ATLANTA — We are breaking down the coronavirus trends and related information across the state of Georgia and providing updates as they come in.
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.
Key Facts:
- There have been 1,606 deaths in Georgia, with the state's earliest reported death on March 5. Over the last 14 days (5/4-5/17), the average daily increase in newly reported deaths was 25.93. Over the previous 14-day period (4/20-5/3), the average daily increase in newly reported deaths was 28.86.
- There have been 37,642 cases confirmed in Georgia, with the state's earliest reported case on Feb. 1. Over the last 14 days, the average daily increase in newly confirmed cases was 586.07. Over the previous 14-day period, the average daily increase in newly confirmed cases was 717.00
- There have been 6,790 total patients hospitalized in Georgia during the pandemic, according to the Department of Public Health's cumulative total. Over the last 14 days, the average daily increase in new patients was 89.86. Over the previous 14-day period, the average daily increase in new patients was 141.57
- The Georgia Emergency Management Agency began reporting current statewide hospitalizations on May 1. That day they reported 1,500 current hospitalizations. By the most recent report on May 16, there were 1,005 current hospitalizations.
- Gov. Brian Kemp's statewide shelter-in-place order expired at midnight on April 30. However, his order for the elderly and medically-fragile remains in effect until June 12.
- All public school buildings in Georgia are closed through the end of the school year
- Public Health Emergency remains in effect.
Things to know for Sunday, May 17
- Georgia DPH distributing first shipment of remdesivir to health facilities statewide for treatment of COVID-19
- Zoo Atlanta has 'sell-out crowd' in first weekend back open to the public amid pandemic
- Former President Barack Obama on Saturday criticized US leaders overseeing the nation's response to the coronavirus, telling high school and college graduates many officials 'aren't even pretending to be in charge.'
- A Costco and a Walmart are among six Colorado grocery stores with COVID-19 outbreaks, officials there said.
- A Major League Baseball report projects an average loss of about $640,000 per game played without fans this year.
- The new date for the postponed Preakness Stakes is Oct. 3, according to Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan.
Atlanta nurse working in New York returns home
After working two months on the front lines in New York City, an Atlanta nurse has returned home.
Family and friends decorated their cars with balloons and signs to welcome Destiny back home. While in New York, she also helped with new babies who came into the world during the crisis.
Take a look at the clip below.
Latest COVID-19 numbers released
The Georgia Department of Health announced new cases of COVID-19 on Sunday evening. As of 7 p.m., there are 37,642 confirmed cases of the virus and 1,606 deaths reported.
Of the 37,642 confirmed cases, 3,761 are in Fulton, 2,799 are in DeKalb, 2,594 are in Gwinnett, 2,406, are in Cobb, 2,152 are in Hall and 1,661 are in Dougherty. For a breakdown by county, view the 11Alive interactive map.
They said 6,790 patients have been hospitalized with COVID-19.
Atlanta Botanical Garden to reopen
The Atlanta Botanical Garden will reopen its Midtown location to Garden members only on Monday, May 18 – Friday, May 22 and to the general public on Saturday, May 23. It's website also says the Gainesville location will remain closed until further notice.
All guests and members must have a timed ticket or make a timed reservation for admission. They are also taking special precautions during this time. A limited number of visitors will be admitted every 15 minutes.
Kroger’s Atlanta Division hires more than 7,800 new workers
Kroger's Atlanta division has hired several thousand workers within the last few months to help provide customers with food and supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The company said the Atlanta Division, which includes Georgia, Eastern Alabama and South Carolina, has hired more than 7,800 since March 13.
The Kroger Family of Companies has hired a total of 100,000 new workers nationwide.
Kroger’s Atlanta Division currently has an additional 500 job openings to fill. Candidates may apply online.
Some churches beginning to resume in-person services
Roswell Street Baptist Church in Marietta is one of the first churches in metro Atlanta that are resuming in-person services since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to the church's executive pastor, Rev. Joe Buckner, church staff will have their temperature checked each Sunday.
The church says they plan to have hand sanitizer on hand, face masks and sectioned off seating areas.
The statewide shelter-in-place order first went into effect in mid-March. Since then, many church services have been held digitally.
MORE CORONAVIRUS HEADLINES |