GA Confirms First Coronavirus-Related Death; State Cases Total 31

GEORGIA — Gov. Brian Kemp said Thursday afternoon that a person in Cobb County has 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.

"Marty, the girls and I are praying for the family and loved ones of this individual during this incredibly difficult time," Kemp said in a statement. "I know the medical professionals on-site did everything that they could, and I greatly appreciate their efforts. As our state continues to address this pandemic, I urge Georgians to remain calm and support their neighbors and communities. We are in this fight together."

As of Thursday morning, there were 31 confirmed and presumed positive cases of the new coronavirus in 12 counties around Georgia, Kemp said.

“Our hearts go out to the family and friends of this individual, and the hospital staff who cared for him,” said Department of Public Health Commissioner Kathleen E. Toomey. “Governor Kemp, DPH, the Coronavirus Task Force and federal partners continue to work together around the clock to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Georgia."

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that some people are at higher risk of getting very sick from this illness, including older adults (age 60 or older) and people with serious chronic medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and lung disease.

The health department is awaiting confirmatory testing from the CDC on three new presumed positive cases of COVID-19.

Two of those people live in DeKalb County, both are hospitalized, and the sources of their infections were unknown, Kemp said. There is no connection between the two cases.

The third individual is a resident of Lowndes County and is hospitalized. The source of that infection was also unknown.

Globally, more than 127,000 people have been infected and more than 4,700 people have died from the new coronavirus, Johns Hopkins reported Thursday morning. Of that total, more than 80,000 confirmed cases are in China, while the entire United States had 1,323 confirmed cases as of Thursday morning. There have been 38 U.S. deaths tied to the virus outbreak.

Related: Interactive Map: Latest US Coronavirus Cases

There are six new confirmed cases of coronavirus in Georgia as of Thursday morning, Kemp said in the release. One person is a resident of Lee County and is hospitalized. The source of the infection is unknown.

Another patient is a resident of Cobb County and is hospitalized. That person has a history of travel outside the United States.

One person is from Floyd County and is hospitalized. The source of the infection is unknown.

Three of the confirmed cases of COVID-19 are residents of Bartow County. Two patients are hospitalized and the sources of the infections are unknown at this time. The third person is not hospitalized, and while the source of the infection is unknown, that person does share a connection with the patient from Floyd County.

Don't miss updates about precautions in Georgia as they are announced. Sign up for Patch news alerts and newsletters.

Confirmed Georgia cases and presumed positive cases of COVID-19, as of Thursday morning, are broken down as follows:

12 Confirmed COVID-19 Cases:

• Fulton County: 3
• Floyd County: 2
• Polk County: 1
• Cobb County: 2
• Bartow County: 3
• Lee County: 1

19 Presumptive Positive COVID-19 Cases:

• Fulton County: 3
• Cobb County: 6
• Fayette County: 1
• DeKalb County: 4
• Gwinnett County: 2
• Cherokee County: 1
• Charlton County: 1
• Lowndes County: 1

Elderly people and people with chronic medical conditions may have increased risk for coronavirus, the Georgia Department of Public Health said.

All Georgians should follow basic prevention measures suggested by the Georgia Department of Public Health:

• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
• If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• 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.

If you are at higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19 because of your age or because you have a serious long-term health problem, it is important for you to prepare now in the event of community outbreak of COVID-19. Be ready to stay at home for an extended period to limit your exposure to the virus. Ask your health care provider about having extra prescription medication on hand and stock up on over-the-counter medicines to treat fevers and other symptoms. Be sure you have two weeks of household items, groceries and water so you do not have to leave home.

If you have recently traveled to areas where there are ongoing outbreaks of COVID-19 and develop fever with cough and shortness of breath within 14 days of your travel, or if you have had contact with someone who is suspected to have COVID-19, stay home and call your health care provider or local health department right away. Be sure to call before going to a doctor’s office, emergency room or urgent care center, and tell them about your recent travel and your symptoms.

For information about the new coronavirus, visit the Georgia Department of Public Health or the CDC.

Gov. Kemp Wants To Take $100M From Reserves To Fight Coronavirus

Kemp said Wednesday that he wants to pull $100 million from Georgia's $2.8 billion reserves to fight against the new coronavirus.

"Ensuring that Georgia has the resources at hand to enable us to respond quickly and thoroughly to prevent its [COVID-19] spread within our borders is paramount to keeping our citizens safe, maintaining the health of our health network, and mitigating impact to our economy," Kemp said. "I do not make the recommendation to draw from this account lightly. However, the spread of the coronavirus represents an immediate and unforeseen threat to the state.

"Our primary responsibility as state leaders must always be to ensure the safety and well-being of our citizens. To that end, I appreciate your consideration in appropriating these much-needed funds to ensure that Georgia stands at the ready to protect the health of our people."

Read More:

• GA Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know
• GA Coronavirus: Here's What Colleges Are Telling Students
• Gov. Kemp Wants To Take $100M From Reserves To Fight Coronavirus
• Passengers On Cruise Ship Hit By Coronavirus Arrive In Marietta