GA Coronavirus: 500 More Cases, Deaths Pass 1600

GEORGIA — The Georgia Department of Public Health on Sunday reported 18 more coronavirus deaths and 564 new cases, bringing the state's death toll to 1,606 and the total number of cases to 37,642.

Georgia reported its first coronavirus case on March 2. As of Sunday morning, 351,175 have been for the disease and 6,790 have been hospitalized. Of the 6,790 hospitalizations, 1,557 were admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), according to the data.

Compared to the state's other jurisdictions, Fulton County has the highest number of confirmed cases totaling 3,761. It also has the highest number of deaths in the state, with 165.

Every Georgia county by now has reported at least one case of COVID-19, but more than two dozen rural counties have yet to report any deaths.

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The disease continues to disproportionately affect older people, with only about 23 percent of those who've died so far being younger than 65. A majority had underlying medical conditions, according to state health officials.

For those who want to crunch the numbers for themselves, the Georgia Department of Health now offers downloadable spreadsheets on its COVID-19 landing page with most of the raw data. The state updates its coronavirus numbers at least twice a day, with overall status reports posted on the website at 9 a.m., 1 p.m., and 7 p.m. daily.

On Tuesday, Gov. Brian Kemp extended the forced closure of all bars, nightclubs and live event venues in Georgia through the end of May.

Last month, Kemp allowed the statewide shelter-in-place order to expire, another easing of restrictions during the week when restaurants resumed dine-in service and houses of worship prepared for in-person gatherings.

However, the statewide public health state of emergency was extended through June 12. With it, the governor has now also extended the ban on nightclubs, amusement parks, bars and live performance venues through May 31.

Restaurants have been allowed to reopen, as long as they could follow a set of guidelines Kemp and medical officials provided. Now, the restrictions are easing slightly to allow 10 patrons per 300-square-feet in a restaurant's public space, including waiting rooms, bar areas and patios. Additionally, party sizes at tables have increased from six per table to 10 guests at a table together.

Gatherings of 10 or more people remain banned unless there is 6-feet in between each person, Kemp said. The gathering ban applies to all non-critical infrastructure businesses, local governments and organizations of all types, including social groups doing informal get-togethers, and recreational sports.

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