GA Coronavirus: Public Health Emergency, School Closings, Safety

GEORGIA — Coronavirus hit the United States, and Georgia, hard this week, with Gov. Brian Kemp declaring a public health emergency effective Saturday, March 14. One man has died in Georgia, and 42 cases were confirmed positive for the new coronavirus in 14 counties around the state, the Georgia Department of Public Health said.

Gov. Brian Kemp said Thursday afternoon that a person in Cobb County died from the new coronavirus. The 67-year-old man was hospitalized at WellStar Kennestone after testing positive for COVID-19 on March 7, authorities said. In addition to being infected with coronavirus disease, the victim also had underlying medical conditions, a news release said.

“Based on President Trump's emergency declaration, I will declare a public health emergency for the State of Georgia tomorrow morning," Kemp said Friday afternoon. "This declaration will greatly assist health and emergency management officials across Georgia by deploying all available resources for the mitigation and treatment of COVID-19. In accordance with state law, I will call for a special session of the General Assembly to convene at the state capitol at 8 a.m. on Monday, March 16 to ratify this action through a joint resolution.

"At this time, it is appropriate for faith-based organizations and similar entities to consider cancellation of public events and services. Contact your local public health office or consult official sources, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Georgia Department of Public Health, for helpful guidance on decision-making. Elderly citizens and those with chronic, underlying health conditions face a serious threat to their health, and we must do everything in our power to reduce risk associated with this virus. Continue to support one another, be mindful of potential exposure, use best practices preventing infection, and pray for your fellow Americans in the weeks ahead."

After reviewing state records, Kemp's office said this declaration will constitute Georgia's first ever public health emergency.

Presumed positive coronavirus cases in Georgia as of Friday morning include: Gordon County, Fulton County, Cherokee County, Floyd County, Polk County, Bartow County, Cobb County, Gwinnett County, DeKalb County, Fayette County, Coweta County, Lee County, Lowndes County and Charlton County.

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The Georgia Department of Public Health broke down the age and gender of the cases:

• 18-59: 48 percent
• 60+: 45 percent
• Unknown: 5 percent
• 0-17: 2 percent
• Male: 64 percent
• Female: 36 percent

Latest global and U.S. confirmed cases and deaths from Johns Hopkins.

RELATED: Interactive Map: Latest U.S. Coronavirus Cases

There was a constant flow of news this week, so Patch rounded up the top 10 coronavirus stories from Georgia:

1. GA Confirms First Coronavirus-Related Death; State Cases Total 31: Gov. Brian Kemp confirmed Thursday afternoon that the first coronavirus-related death in Georgia has occurred in Cobb County.
2. GA Coronavirus Updates: What You Need To Know On Schools, Cases: As of Friday morning, one person in GA has died, and 42 confirmed and presumed positive cases of the new coronavirus are in 14 counties.
3. GA Coronavirus: New Cases Confirmed, Patients Quarantined At Park: Gov. Brian Kemp said early Wednesday morning that seven emergency mobile units were deployed to Hard Labor Creek State Park in Morgan County. Coronavirus patients who aren't able to self-isolate have been sent to the park to stay.
4. Canton Waffle House Employee Tests Positive For Coronavirus: A Canton Waffle House has closed Tuesday after an employee tested positive, the business told media outlets.
5. 2nd Fulton Schools Employee Tests Positive For Coronavirus: Fulton County Schools closed every building Tuesday and Wednesday for deep cleaning after an employee tested positive for coronavirus. While closed, the district confirmed a second employee has tested positive for coronavirus, Fulton Schools said Wednesday in a press release.
6. GA Coronavirus: Here's What Colleges Are Telling Students: Effective Monday, all University System of Georgia institutions will temporarily suspend instruction for two weeks.
7. Passengers On Cruise Ship Hit By Coronavirus Arrive In Marietta: The 34 Georgia passengers aboard the Grand Princess cruise ship hit by coronavirus arrived early Wednesday morning, according to officials.
8. Kroger Shares Coronavirus Preparedness Plan For Atlanta: Atlanta Kroger shoppers will have a limit on supplies like hand sanitizing products and cold and flu medications, according to the store.
9. Hiring Freeze Announced By Delta Due To Coronavirus: Delta Air Lines said Tuesday that the company will offer employees a voluntary leave option and institute a company-wide hiring freeze.
10. Gov. Kemp Wants To Take $100M From Reserves To Fight Coronavirus: Gov. Kemp said Wednesday that he wants to pull $100 million from the state's reserve funds to help fight against Coronavirus.

Globally, more than 91,773 people have been infected and more than 3,337 people have died from the new coronavirus, Johns Hopkins reported Friday morning. Of that total, more than 80,000 confirmed cases are in China, while the entire United States has 1,701 confirmed cases as of Friday morning. There have been 40 deaths in the U.S. have been tied to the virus outbreak.

Tips from the CDC on dealing with coronavirus

While the best way to prevent illness is to avoid virus exposure, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention generally recommends taking these actions to prevent the spread of viruses:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipes.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.