GA Coronavirus: Testing Available, Canceled Parades, Ventilators

GEORGIA — The Georgia Department of Public Health has reached its goal of testing 100,000 people in 10 days. More than 108,000 tests were processed since Commissioner Kathleen E. Toomey set the Department of Public Health goal last week.

"This is an important benchmark for Georgia as we work to stop the spread of COVID-19 in the state," Toomey said. "Increased testing is critical to understanding where there are hot spots of infection and how best to mitigate them."

Effective immediately, testing is available to all Georgians who request it, whether they have symptoms or not. There are more than 65 specimen point-of-collection sites throughout the state, with an additional 30 mobile specimen point of collection sites; locations and hours vary daily.

People who want to be tested can contact any Georgia public health department to schedule an appointment at a specimen point-of-collection site convenient to them. Contact information for local health departments can be found on the Department of Public Health homepage.

Get the latest updates on the new coronavirus in Georgia as they happen. Sign up for free news alerts and a newsletter in your Patch town.

Here's what happened this week in Georgia due to coronavirus:

GA Makes Coronavirus Testing Available To All Who Request It

More than 108,000 tests were processed since Commissioner Kathleen E. Toomey set the Department of Public Health goal last week.

Black Coalition Requests Meeting With Gov. Kemp: Coronavirus

A coalition of black organizations is asking Gov. Kemp for a meeting to discuss ways to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus.

Coronavirus GA: Jobless Claims Up 5,000% Since March

Georgia's 5,000-percent increase in its average weekly unemployment claims since March tops the nation.

Gov. Kemp: Focus On Moving Forward, Not On Political Differences

Gov. Brian Kemp held a news conference Thursday afternoon and said Georgians need to stop focusing on political differences.

After Georgia Reopened, 62,000 Non-Georgians Came To Visit: Data

Analyzing smartphone data, researchers found thousands out-of-state visitors traveled to Georgia after it lifted its coronavirus shutdown.

Kemp Warns Of Potential For Another GA Coronavirus Outbreak

There have been a total of 1,258 deaths from coronavirus in GA and more than 5,000 hospitalized. Gov. Kemp warns of potential new outbreak.

Kemp Touts Lowest Day Of Ventilator Use

Gov. Brian Kemp tweeted Sunday that at 964 ventilators in use, today marks the lowest day for ventilator utilization in Georgia.

GA Judicial Emergency To Be Extended Through June

Under the new extension, all criminal and civil jury trials will continue to be suspended, and courts cannot summon or impanel new juries.

Fulton Schools Weighing Options For 2020-21 School Year

Fulton County Schools said it is prepared to open schools based on the proposed 2020-21 calendar, either in person or remote learning.

As Metro Atlanta Malls Reopen, Here's What To Expect

Many metro Atlanta malls have reopened as of Monday. Strict guidelines have been implemented for both customers and workers.

Atlanta Pride Parade's 50th Anniversary Not Cancelled: Organizers

The Atlanta Pride Parade planning committee said the city hasn't canceled the 50th annual parade, and they're still working out details.

More coronavirus stories from around Georgia this week:

• Gov. Kemp Visits GA Barbershop For A Cut
• After Warren Buffett Sells Stocks, Delta Says It'll Survive
• Costco Limits Meat Sales In Metro Atlanta As Shortages Continue
• Select Starbucks In GA Will Begin Reopening With Grab And Go
• Fulton, Dougherty Continue To Have Most Coronavirus Deaths In GA
• Emory Healthcare Updates Visitor Restrictions List
• Chick-fil-A Says It's Bringing Back The Takeout Option
• J.Crew, Which Has 4 Stores In GA, Files For Bankruptcy
• Tyler Perry Will Reopen Studios With Temporary Housing For Crews
• Goodwill Of North Georgia Reopens Select Stores, Career Centers
• DeKalb Senior Living Facility Staff Shelter In Place At Center
• Alpharetta CVB Keeping Updated List Of Open Businesses
• GA Distributes Largest Shipment Of PPE As Cases Pass 30K
• Coronavirus GA: Gwinnett Teachers Told Not To Report To Work
• Lt. Gov First GA Official To Take Paycut During Coronavirus
• Coronavirus GA: State Lost $1 Billion In Tax Revenue In April
• Atlanta Falcons 2020 Schedule
• Nordstrom Stores In Atlanta Could Close
• Atlanta Swimming Pools Could Stay Closed Even Longer
• Restaurants Unite To Create Cookbook Benefiting Local Nonprofits
• City Of Cumming Cancels Annual Memorial Day Ceremony
• Gov. Kemp Visits GA Barbershop For A Cut; New Cases, More Deaths
• All Parks Will Reopen In Cobb County Monday
• Cobb Senior Services Delivering Meals on Wheels
• DeKalb Summer Jobs Program Transforms Into Virtual Career Academy