GA Coronavirus: Shelter-In-Place, Eateries Open, Emory Tests Drug

GEORGIA — Gov. Brian Kemp released a video Thursday giving an update on the state's emergency orders, hours before Georgia's statewide shelter-in-place order was set to expire at midnight. He will allow the shelter order to expire, another easing of restrictions in a week that has seen restaurants resuming dine-in service and houses of worship prepare for in-person gatherings.

"However, moving forward, I am urging Georgians to continue to stay home whenever possible," Kemp said. "I want to thank the people of our great state who heeded public health advice, afforded us time to bolster our health care infrastructure, and flattened the curve. We were successful in these efforts, but the fight is far from over."

In accordance with his executive orders, Georgia businesses must continue to operate with strict social distancing and sanitation rules to keep customers and employees safe through May 13, the governor said.

"The health and well-being of Georgians are my top priorities, and my decisions are based on data and advice from health officials," Kemp said. "I will do what is necessary to protect the lives — and livelihoods — of our people."

He also extended the state's public health state of emergency through June 12 to continue enhanced testing across Georgia, ramp up contact tracing and maintain effective emergency response operations in every region.

"To protect vulnerable populations, I will sign an order today requiring medically fragile and elderly Georgians to continue to shelter in place through June 12," Kemp said. "In addition, I will order long-term care facilities — including nursing homes, personal care homes, assisted living facilities and similar community living homes — to utilize enhanced infection control protocols, ensure safer living conditions and protect residents and staff from coronavirus exposure. Together, we will defeat this virus and emerge stronger."

For the latest updates on the new coronavirus outbreak in Georgia, 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 Shelter-In-Place, State Of Emergency Orders Updated By Kemp

Gov. Brian Kemp updated Georgia's shelter-in-place orders, which are to expire at midnight Thursday, and the coronavirus state of emergency.

2 GA Men Drink Disinfectants Attempting To Prevent Coronavirus

Two Georgia men drank disinfectant, attempting to protect themselves against the coronavirus, according to the Georgia Poison Center.

Random Homes To Participate In Antibody Survey: GA Coronavirus

The Georgia Department of Public Health and the CDC will visit randomly selected Fulton and DeKalb homes for a voluntary antibody survey.

Tyler Perry Working On Plan To Reopen Atlanta Studio: Coronavirus

Filmmaker Tyler Perry says he's working on a plan to safely reopen his Atlanta studio during the coronavirus pandemic.

Customers Show Up For Restaurant Reopenings: GA Coronavirus

GA restaurants could reopen Monday under coronavirus guidelines. Some businesses said customers are happy to have the choice to dine in.

Experimental Drug Tested At Emory Could Fight Against Coronavirus

Emory University is leading a clinical trial that's searching for ways to speed up recovery time against the coronavirus.

Model Projects 23K Georgia Deaths If Coronavirus Limits End In 4 Weeks

Georgians may pay a huge price if coronavirus restrictions end too soon, according to an online simulator co-developed at Georgia Tech.

UGA, University System Plans For Fall Semester: Coronavirus

UGA and other university system schools are considering a "staggered, phased-in approach" to resuming in-person instruction.

Delta Air Lines Says That All Customers Must Wear Masks

Delta Air Lines announced late Thursday that all customers will need to wear a mask at check-in, in the gate area and on the plane.

The AJC Peachtree Road Race Has Been Pushed To Thanksgiving Day

The AJC Peachtree Road Race has been moved from July 4 to Thanksgiving Day, according to organizers.

North GA Outlets Reopen Friday, Other Malls Delay Opening

Earlier this week, Simon Properties said it planned to reopen several Georgia malls, but on Friday changed which locations will stay closed.

Gov. Kemp Urging Georgians to Wear Face Coverings In Public

Gov. Brian Kemp said a cloth face covering should be worn whenever people are in a community setting where social distancing may be hard.

• ATL Mayor Shares Thoughts On State Reopening With Tamron Hall
• Douglas Food Pantry Feeds Pets During Coronavirus Shutdown
• NBA Star John Collins Helps Bring Pop Up Grocery Stores To ATL
• Arbor Place Reopens Friday With Coronavirus Safety Measures
• GSU President Shares What Next Year May Look Like: Coronavirus
• Cherokee EMS: 'Don't Hesitate To Go To Hospital'; 911 Calls Down
• Georgia Grille In Buckhead Announces Closing After 30 Years
• Marietta Schools Get $75K Grant For Virtual Tutoring: Coronavirus
• NBA Pushes Back Opening Facilities After Atlanta Hawks Say No
• Midtown Restaurant Says 'Not Safe' To Reopen Yet: GA Coronavirus
• GA Teens Temporarily Don't Need To Take Road Test: Coronavirus
• 'Better Together' Program Launches At Avalon
• Pen Pals Program Launched To Keep Fulton Seniors Connected
• Student Leadership Johns Creek Hosts Virtual Graduation
• North GA To Use $6.8M Of CARES Act Funding For Students
• Macy's Plans To Reopen GA Stores Monday, All Stores In 6 Weeks
• GA Offers Mask Decontaminate System, Up To 80K Daily: Coronavirus
• ‘Together We Are Grayson’ Uses Signs To Boost Morale, Buy Meals
• Toyo Tires To Ramp Up, Resume Manufacturing On May 3
• GA Coronavirus: Airlines Want To Ax Flights To Hartsfield Jackson
• Atlanta Has The Most Coronavirus Cases: Report
• ATL Costco Shoppers Will Be Required To Wear Mask Starting May 4
• Alpharetta Rotary Hosting Digital Derby Fundraiser For Nonprofits
• Pop-Up Food Pantry To Collect Food For North Fulton Families
• On Saturday The Blue Angels Will Fly Over ATL To Thank Workers
• Join Georgia Patch In Honoring The High School Class Of 2020
• Milton First Responders Foundation Feeds Local Families
• Marietta High School Postpones Graduation Until Summer
• COVID-19 Still Spreading In Georgia — But The Curve Is Flattening