GA Coronavirus: Volunteer Chance, Pre-Teen Improving, No Church

GEORGIA —

Gov. Brian Kemp extended the closure of all public schools in Georgia through April 24.

Kemp signed an executive order on Thursday "that mandates public schools will remain closed for in-person instruction through April 24 - students may return on Monday, April 27."

As of Friday, there have been 64 deaths, 2,001 confirmed coronavirus cases, and 566 hospitalizations in the state, the Georgia Department of Public Health said.

There have been 8,119 tests done in a commercial lab, with 1,739 coming back positive. The Georgia Department of Public Health has done 1,746 tests, with 262 positive.

Many Southerners, and even officials at Federal Emergency Management Agency, use the "Waffle House Index" to determine the severity of emergencies such as hurricanes — and now the spread of the new coronavirus.

On Wednesday, Waffle House announced it is closing more than 400 stores across the Southeast, moving the Index into the red zone. There are still at least 1,500 stores still open, the company said.

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Globally, more than 558,000 people have been infected and more than 25,000 people have died from the new coronavirus, Johns Hopkins reported Friday afternoon. Of that total, more than 86,000 confirmed cases were in the United States, with more than 1,300 U.S. deaths tied to the virus outbreak. As of Thursday night, the U.S. surpassed both China and Italy in total number of cases.

Here's what is happening due to coronavirus around Georgia this week:

Friday, March 27

GA Coronavirus: Here's How You Can Help Medical Professionals

Georgia Responds is a program that matches the skills and credentials of workers and volunteers to help stop the spread of coronavirus.

Atlanta Girl, 12, Improving Says Family: GA Coronavirus

A 12-year-old Atlanta girl is showing signs of improvement after testing positive with the coronavirus.

GA Coronavirus Numbers Rise To 64 Deaths, 2000+ Cases

As of Friday afternoon, there have been 64 deaths in Georgia due to the coronavirus.

Absentee Ballot Requests Go Only To Active Voters

Ballot requests for the May 19 primary will not be mailed to inactive voters.

GA Restaurant Offers Takeout By Car, Tractor Or Horseback

Patrons of a Canton restaurant found a creative way to pick up their to-go food when they showed up to Catch 22 Bar and Grill on horseback.

'No' To Drive In Church Services: GA Health Department

The Georgia Department of Public Health is warning churches that drive-in services don't meet local guidelines that limit social gatherings.

1,600 New Jobs Are Open For Kroger, More Coming: GA Coronavirus

Kroger announced Friday that its Atlanta division has made available 1,600 new jobs, with more to come.

Real ID Deadline In GA Delayed A Year By Coronavirus Closings

The Real ID deadline has been pushed back a year thanks to the coronavirus pandemic. Here's what you need to know in Georgia.

Thursday, March 26

GA Coronavirus: Gov. Kemp Orders Schools Closed Through April 24

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp ordered public schools to remain closed through April 24 due to coronavirus.

GA Jobless Rates Soar, How Big Stimulus Checks Will Be

Georgia residents can expect a direct stimulus payment, while unemployment benefits are beefed up and extended. Here's what it could mean.

2 Adorable Puppies Visit GA Aquarium During Coronavirus Pandemic

The Georgia Aquarium posted a video of two puppies checking out its Ocean Voyager habitat.

GA Coronavirus: Petition Asks Gov. Kemp To Issue Shelter In Place

A petition with more than 70,000 signatures is asking Gov. Brian Kemp to order an immediate shelter-in-place for Georgia due to coronavirus.

Roswell Balloon Artist Hopes To Spread Joy With Message

A Roswell balloon artist is participating in "One Million Bubbles of Joy" to bring smiles to people's faces during the coronavirus pandemic.

Virtual 500 Member Band Formed By Cobb County Schools: Video

Band students from 17 Cobb County Schools participated in a virtual concert band. Five-hundred musicians played in the virtual performance.

Service Businesses Announce Layoffs Across Georgia

Workers at hotels and convention centers, bars, restaurants and day care centers are among the latest Georgians out of work.

Donations, Volunteers Needed During Coronavirus Outbreak

Increased demand of supplies, food and volunteers during Coronavirus outbreak has Georgia residents scurrying.

Restaurants offering delivery/takeout:

• Where To Get Delivery, Takeout In Fulton County: GA Coronavirus
• Where To Get Delivery, Takeout In DeKalb County: GA Coronavirus
• Where To Get Delivery, Takeout In Cobb County: GA Coronavirus
• Where To Get Delivery, Takeout in Dacula: GA Coronavirus
• Where To Get Delivery, Takeout in Dallas-Hiram: GA Coronavirus
• Where To Get Delivery, Takeout In Cherokee: GA Coronavirus
• Cartersville Restaurants Open For Takeout Or Delivery

Wednesday, March 25

GA Coronavirus: Waffle House Shuts 400-Plus Sites; 'Index' At Red

Waffle House has closed 418 eateries across the Southeast due to the coronavirus. FEMA tracks emergencies using the "Waffle House Index."

Is Your Restaurant Open? We Want To Hear From You: GA Coronavirus

Restaurants offering takeout or delivery in the Atlanta metro are asked to respond to our survey so readers know you're open.

Nonprofits From Food Banks To Meals On Wheels Brace For Spike In Demand

Here are ways you can donate to support food banks and other nutrition programs, as well as places to turn if you need help.

GA Coronavirus: State Sen. Hosting Phone Call Town Hall Thursday

GA Sen. John Albers is hosting a teleconference town hall at 3 p.m. Thursday with local mayors, school officials and more about coronavirus.

Coronavirus: Decatur Testing Sites, Face Mask Questions Answered

A county spokesperson said there is a testing site for the coronavirus in DeKalb County. Here's what to know about the emergency.

Forsyth Publix Worker Tests Positive For Coronavirus

Publix said Monday that an employee at a store in Cumming has tested positive for coronavirus. Customers are considered to be at low risk.

'Hamilton' Dates Postponed In Atlanta, 'Miss Saigon' Canceled

The Fox Theatre and Broadway in Atlanta announced Tuesday that the Hamilton tour in Atlanta has been postponed due to the coronavirus.

GA Coronavirus: Businesses Asked To Donate, Make Medical Supplies

Gov. Kemp has asked all Georgia businesses that are able to produce, donate, distribute or store health care items needed for coronavirus.

GA Coronavirus: Nearly 400 Hospitalized, 40 Deaths, 1200+ Cases

New numbers on Wednesday showed there are nearly 400 Georgians hospitalized for coronavirus, the GA Department of Public Health said.

Tuesday, March 24

14 Day Stay At Home Order Issued By Atlanta Mayor: Coronavirus

Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms signed a 14-day stay at home order Monday night for the city of Atlanta. Non-essential businesses must close.

GA Sees Increase In SNAP Applications, More Funds Coming

Gov. Brian Kemp said that SNAP recipients in Georgia will see an additional $100 in benefits in March and April.

Two Weeks Of Free Groceries For Atlanta Families In Need

Families can pre-register to receive free groceries thanks to the Atlanta Hawks and State Farm partnering with Goodr.

GA Coronavirus: Vote-By-Mail Option Coming To All Voters

Absentee ballot request forms will be mailed to all Georgia voters, announced Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger.

GA Coronavirus: MARTA Loses Riders, Considering Credit Options

A MARTA spokesperson says there's been a drastic decline in ridership due to more people staying at home because of the coronavirus.

GA Coronavirus: Hospital Employee Dies; Found In Home With Child

A Georgia woman who worked at a hospital died from the coronavirus. Police found her dead in her home with a child.

GA Coronavirus: DeKalb Inmate And Employee Test Positive

Sheriff Melody M. Maddox said Tuesday that a DeKalb inmate and employee have both tested positive for the coronavirus.

Monday, March 23

GA Coronavirus: No Groups Of 10+, Medically Fragile To Isolate

Gov. Brian Kemp said Monday afternoon that gatherings of more than 10 people are banned, and "medically fragile" residents need to isolate.

Atlanta Mayor's Stay At Home Order Delayed By Gov. Kemp

Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms said Gov. Brian Kemp has asked her to hold off on executing Atlanta's stay-at-home order for now.

Afraid Of Coronavirus, GA Man Points Gun At Women Wearing Masks

Alpharetta Police arrested a man Sunday after he pointed a handgun at two women who were wearing masks and gloves at the post office.

What A Stay-At-Home GA Coronavirus Order Could Look Like

California, New Jersey and New York have taken extreme measures, ordering everyone to stay home. What would that mean if done in Georgia?

1st Coronavirus Case Confirmed At Children's Healthcare Of ATL

A 12-year-old girl has been confirmed to have coronavirus at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, a family member said.

Limited Coronavirus Testing Site Opens Monday In Cherokee County

Cherokee County was selected by the Georgia Department of Public Health as a limited coronavirus testing site starting Monday.

Atlanta Police Officer Tests Positive For Coronavirus

The Atlanta Police Department said an officer has tested positive for coronavirus. They last worked March 11 at department headquarters.

GA Coronavirus: New Data Causing 'Significant Increase' Of Cases

Monday's coronavirus numbers in Georgia showed an increase of more than 170 cases from Sunday, along with 25 deaths statewide.

GA Coronavirus: Emory Expert Warns Point Of 'No Return' Coming

An Emory pandemic expert tweeted a plea to Gov. Kemp requesting a state shutdown to slow the spread of the new coronavirus.

The GA Department Of Labor To Suspend In Person Requirements

GDOL will temporarily suspend all in-person requirements for services due to the risk of the coronavirus.

700+ Pets Adopted, Fostered From ATL Shelter During Coronavirus

After LifeLine Animal Project asked for adopters and fosters, more than 700 animals have new homes after Atlantans stepped up to help.

Neighbors helping each other:

• GA Coronavirus: How North Fulton Neighbors Are Responding
• GA Coronavirus: How Forsyth Neighbors Are Responding
• GA Coronavirus: How Cherokee County Neighbors Are Responding

National Coronavirus News: U.S. Coronavirus: Trump Signs Aid Package, See What You'll Get