x
Breaking News
More () »

Coronavirus in Georgia on April 2

At 11Alive News, our coverage of the coronavirus is rooted in Facts, not Fear. Here is the impact it is having on April 2 in Georgia.

Here is the latest on the coronavirus for April 3rd.

Below is an archive for April 2

==

More than 5,400 Georgians have now been infected with COVID-19, according to the figures released at 7 p.m. Nearly 180 people have died from the virus, with more than 1,110 people hospitalized. Scroll to read more.

At 11Alive News, our coverage of the coronavirus is rooted in Facts, not Fear. Visit the 11Alive coronavirus page for comprehensive coverage, find out what you need to know about Georgia specifically, learn more about the symptoms, and keep tabs on the cases around the world here. Have a question? Text it to us at 404-885-7600.

State and federal officials with the Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are continually monitoring the spread of the virus. They are also working hand-in-hand with the World Health Organization to track the spread around the world and to stop it.

We will continue to track the most important coronavirus elements relating to Georgia on this page. Refresh often for new information.

Key Facts: 

Credit: WXIA

Thursday, April 2 

More than 5,400 cases of COVID-19 in Georgia with 176 deaths

There are now 5,444 Georgians infected with the COVID-19 coronavirus, according to the state's figures released at 7 p.m. So far, 176 people have died from the virus, with 1,129 more people hospitalized.

There are now just about a dozen counties of Georgia's 159 without a confirmed case of COVID-19.

Fulton is now reporting 747 cases in the county with 23 deaths reported. Dougherty County is reporting 520 cases with 30 deaths. DeKalb is reporting the third most cases in the state with 409. 

Cobb and Gwinnett counties are each reporting more than 300 cases, with Clayton, Bartow, Carroll, Henry and Lee counties all reporting more than 100 cases each.

County - Cases - Deaths

Fulton    747    23
Dougherty    521    30
DeKalb    409    8
Cobb    341    17
Gwinnett    303    8
Clayton    165    6
Bartow    153    4
Carroll    139    2
Henry    115    2
Lee    104    7
Cherokee    94    4
Floyd    78    2
Hall    72    0
Douglas    66    3
Rockdale    57    2
Clarke    55    7
Fayette    55    4
Forsyth    53    1
Houston    49    5
Coweta    48    2
Sumter    48    3
Terrell    47    2
Chatham    44    3
Early    42    1
Richmond    42    1
Mitchell    40    1
Newton    37    0
Paulding    35    0
Tift    29    0
Colquitt    28    2
Worth    28    1
Columbia    27    0
Lowndes    26    1
Muscogee    26    0
Bibb    25    1
Crisp    21    0
Glynn    21    0
Troup    21    1
Barrow    20    2
Gordon    20    1
Oconee    19    0
Spalding    17    1
Thomas    17    0
Polk    16    0
Walton    15    0
Laurens    14    0
Ware    14    2
Whitfield    14    1
Bryan    11    1
Dawson    11    0
Dooly    11    0
Jackson    11    0
Calhoun    10    1
Decatur    10    0
Pierce    10    0
Butts    9    0
Coffee    9    0
Meriwether    9    0
Pickens    9    1
Burke    8    0
Fannin    8    0
Greene    8    0
Baldwin    7    1
Clay    7    0
Liberty    7    0
Lumpkin    7    0
Murray    7    0
Peach    7    1
Bacon    6    0
Camden    6    0
Effingham    6    0
Haralson    6    0
Lamar    6    0
Monroe    6    0
Seminole    6    0
Turner    6    0
Upson    6    0
Washington    6    0
Catoosa    5    0
Dodge    5    0
Franklin    5    0
Harris    5    0
Irwin    5    0
Jones    5    0
Lincoln    5    0
Madison    5    1
Pulaski    5    0
Stephens    5    0
Toombs    5    1
Baker    4    1
Brooks    4    0
Bulloch    4    0
Mcduffie    4    1
Miller    4    0
Randolph    4    0
Schley    4    0
Warren    4    0
Appling    3    0
Banks    3    0
Ben Hill    3    0
Berrien    3    0
Chattooga    3    0
Hart    3    0
White    3    0
Chattahoochee    2    0
Clinch    2    0
Grady    2    0
Habersham    2    0
Heard    2    1
Jasper    2    0
Jefferson    2    0
Macon    2    0
Morgan    2    0
Pike    2    0
Putnam    2    0
Rabun    2    0
Screven    2    0
Tattnall    2    0
Taylor    2    0
Telfair    2    0
Twiggs    2    0
Walker    2    0
Wilkes    2    0
Bleckley    1    0
Candler    1    0
Charlton    1    0
Cook    1    0
Dade    1    0
Emanuel    1    0
Gilmer    1    0
Jenkins    1    0
Johnson    1    0
Lanier    1    0
Long    1    0
Mcintosh    1    
Oglethorpe    1    1
Stewart    1    0
Talbot    1    0
Union    1    0
Webster    1    0
Wheeler    1    0
Wilcox    1    0
Wilkinson    1    0
Unknown    665    4

Statewide shelter-in-place order signed by Kemp

Gov. Brian Kemp has signed the state's shelter-in-place order. The order takes effect Friday, April 3 and will be in place until April 13. Anyone who violates the order would be found guilty of a misdemeanor. 

RELATED: Georgia's statewide shelter-in-place order: Here's what you need to know

Under the order, all residents and visitors are told to take "every possible precaution to limit social interaction" and prevent the spread of COVID-19, unless they are participating in essential services, performing necessary travel, are traveling to and from their place of employment or are part of or participating in the use of "critical infrastructure."

RELATED: Georgia shelter-in-place order: Here's a list of critical industries that will remain open

In addition to social distancing, businesses are not allowed to have more than 10 people gathered at a single location. Businesses that are in operation are also being ordered to take measures to decrease the exposure and spread of the coronavirus by screening and evaluating workers who show signs of illness, enhancing the "sanitation of the workforce," and suspending the use of PIN devices.

The order allows those with the Department of Public Health, the Department of Public Safety, or "any other state department or state officer deputized by the Governor or the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency" are authorized to close any business not in compliance.

RELATED: Enforcement of Georgia's shelter-in-place order

The order also overrides all other previous shelter-in-place orders issued by local municipalities.

While violators could face misdemeanor charges, the order also says that officials who are enforcing the order should "take reasonable steps to provide notice prior to issuing a citation or making an arrest."

READ THE FULL ORDER

U.S. Transportation Secretary announces $370.9M to help Atlanta transportation systems respond to Pandemic

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao announced $370.9 million to help public transportation systems in Atlanta respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. These federal funds are a part of the $25 billion Secretary Chao announced today to help the nation’s public transportation systems respond to COVID-19. 

“This historic $25 billion in grant funding will ensure our nation’s public transportation systems can continue to provide services to the millions of Americans who depend on them,” Chao said.

According to the secretary's office, the money was made available when the President signed the CARES Act on Friday. The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration will administer the $25 billion to the public transportation industry, which will be available to capital, operating and other expenses including fair box recovery, overtime for employees, and expenses like extra hand sanitizer for workers and the traveling public. Also, if a transit operator is put on administrative leave due to reductions in service or has to self-quarantine, funding will be available to cover the worker’s salary..

Chattahoochee National Forests close additional recreation areas

The Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests is temporarily shutting down all dispersed camping corridors, day-use areas, trailhead facilities and other recreation sites on the Blue Ridge Ranger District to protect public health and safety.

The decision aligns with state and local measures to stop the spread of COVID-19, and guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

“We continually consult with local leaders in our communities, in order to be in alignment with local decisions that protect human health and safety,” said Edward Hunter, Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests’ acting forest supervisor. “The health and safety of our employees and the public remain our top priority.”

The latest information about recreation sites is available at www.fs.usda.gov/conf, also on Facebook and Twitter at @ChattOconeeNF.

Cobb County extends stay-at-home order until April 24

Chairman Mike Boyce signed a supplement to the Declaration of Emergency that extends the Declaration until April 24th and further defines “non-essential” businesses that must immediately close. 

The order also provides more detailed guidance on the “shelter-in-place” order and adds additional requirements to grocery and essential retail stores to enforce social distancing.

Morehouse College to postpone, cancel most summer programs

Sixteen summer programs hosted at Morehouse College will be postponed or canceled to "protect students, faculty, and staff from the spread of the novel coronavirus disease," they said on Thursday. Five other programs will move online.

Summer programs at Morehouse College attract hundreds of elementary, middle, and high school students, they said. College students also attend enrichment programs on campus and participate in internships.

Department of Justice makes $15 million available to Georgia to help public safety agencies

The Department of Justice has announced that it is making $850 million available to help public safety agencies respond to the challenges posed by the outbreak of COVID-19. Of that, $15 million has been designated for Georgia. 

The Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program, authorized by the recent stimulus legislation signed by President Trump, will allow eligible state, local and tribal governments to apply immediately for these critical funds. The department is moving quickly to make awards, with the goal of having funds available for drawdown within days of the award.

“Law enforcement resources are stretched thin at every level,” said U.S. Attorney Byung J. “BJay” Pak. “These funds will be used to directly reinforce critical needs as leaders work to address every contingency.”

Gwinnett launches COVID-19 call center

Gwinnett County Government is making sure residents have multiple outlets to turn to with questions regarding the stay at home order surrounding COVID-19.

County officials asking residents to use this website to answer general questions regarding the local emergency order. The county says that if you cannot find an answer there, then you should call their dedicated COVID-19 Emergency Order Call Center at 770.822.7399.

The call center is staffed Monday through Friday from 8 am to 7 pm. Residents are also able to email any questions to GC-License-Revenue@gwinnettcounty.com.

Rockdale sheriff gets tested for COVID-19, says he's feeling ill after coming into contact with employee with virus

The Rockdale County sheriff is issuing an urgent reminder for people to take all precautions they can to stop the spread the COVID-19 coronavirus after he himself started feeling ill after coming into contact with someone who tested positive for the virus. 

Sheriff Eric J. Levett shared the message on his office's Facebook page Wednesday night, explaining that he began to feel ill shortly after lunch Friday, March 27.

"I went home and checked my temperature and it was elevated. I then contacted my primary physician who advised me to self-quarantine as a precaution," Sheriff Levett wrote.

FULL STORY: Rockdale sheriff gets tested for COVID-19, says he's feeling ill after coming into contact with employee with virus

GHSA cancels spring sports, rules out extra eligibility and moving seasons

The Georgia High School Association (GHSA) announced after its electronic Board of Trustees meeting, Thursday, that spring sports and activities were canceled for the remainder of the school year. The announcement came one day after Governor Brian Kemp announced that schools in Georgia would remain closed for the rest of the current school year.

"Given the announcement yesterday by Governor Kemp, it is with a heavy heart that I inform you that all GHSA activities and sports are canceled for the 2019-2020 school year. I especially want to commend the graduating seniors who have not only missed most of the spring season but prom, senior nights, awards ceremonies, possibly graduation, and spent the last few months away from their friends and classmates. Our seniors have a great deal to be proud of and while this is not the way any of us wanted it to end, I want to thank them for a job well done," GHSA executive director Dr. Robin Hines said in a statement.

FULL STORY: GHSA cancels spring sports, rules out extra eligibility and moving seasons

Confirmed cases top 5,000 with 163 deaths

The Georgia Department of Health announced new cases of COVID-19 on Thursday. As of Noon, there are 5,348 confirmed cases of the virus and 163 deaths reported. This is up from the 4,748 confirmed cases and 154 deaths that they announced on Wednesday evening.

Of the 5,348 confirmed cases, 712 are in Fulton, 507 are in Dougherty, 396 are in DeKalb, 329 are in Cobb and 282 are in Gwinnett. In all, there are cases reported in 142 counties (778 cases are listed as unknown counties). For a breakdown by county, view the 11Alive interactive map.

They said 1,056 patients are hospitalized with COVID-19.

Of the confirmed cases, 1 percent are between the ages of 0-17, while 59 percent are 18-59 years old, 36 percent are over 60 and 4 percent are unknown. 52 percent are female, and 46 percent are male.

In total, 20,756 tests were conducted at commercial labs, reporting 4,980 positive cases. At the Department of Public Health Laboratory, 2,201 tests were conducted with 368 positive results.

County - Cases - Deaths

Fulton    712    22
Dougherty    507    29
Dekalb    396    6
Cobb    329    17
Gwinnett    282    6
Clayton    148    5
Bartow    147    4
Carroll    133    2
Henry    108    2
Lee    100    7
Cherokee    92    4
Hall    72    0
Floyd    71    2
Douglas    60    3
Clarke    54    7
Rockdale    54    2
Fayette    52    4
Forsyth    51    1
Houston    47    5
Terrell    46    2
Sumter    45    3
Chatham    44    2
Coweta    44    2
Early    41    1
Richmond    41    1
Mitchell    39    1
Newton    36    0
Paulding    33    0
Tift    28    0
Worth    28    1
Columbia    27    0
Lowndes    25    1
Muscogee    25    0
Bibb    24    1
Colquitt    23    1
Crisp    21    0
Barrow    20    2
Glynn    20    0
Gordon    20    1
Troup    20    1
Oconee    18    0
Spalding    18    1
Polk    16    0
Thomas    15    0
Whitfield    15    1
Laurens    14    0
Walton    14    0
Ware    14    2
Dawson    11    0
Dooly    11    0
Jackson    11    0
Bryan    10    1
Calhoun    10    1
Pierce    10    0
Butts    9    0
Coffee    9    0
Decatur    9    0
Meriwether    9    0
Burke    8    0
Greene    8    0
Pickens    8    1
Baldwin    7    1
Lamar    7    0
Liberty    7    0
Lumpkin    7    0
Peach    7    1
Bacon    6    0
Camden    6    0
Effingham    6    0
Fannin    6    0
Haralson    6    0
Monroe    6    0
Murray    6    0
Seminole    6    0
Upson    6    0
Clay    5    0
Franklin    5    0
Harris    5    0
Irwin    5    0
Jones    5    0
Lincoln    5    0
Stephens    5    0
Turner    5    0
Baker    4    1
Catoosa    4    0
Madison    4    1
Mcduffie    4    1
Miller    4    0
Pulaski    4    0
Randolph    4    0
Toombs    4    0
Warren    4    0
Washington    4    0
Appling    3    0
Banks    3    0
Ben Hill    3    0
Berrien    3    0
Brooks    3    0
Bulloch    3    0
Chattooga    3    0
Dodge    3    0
Hart    3    0
Schley    3    0
White    3    0
Chattahoochee    2    0
Clinch    2    0
Grady    2    0
Habersham    2    0
Heard    2    1
Jasper    2    0
Jefferson    2    0
Macon    2    0
Morgan    2    0
Pike    2    0
Putnam    2    0
Rabun    2    0
Screven    2    0
Tattnall    2    0
Taylor    2    0
Twiggs    2    0
Walker    2    0
Wilkes    2    0
Bleckley    1    0
Candler    1    0
Charlton    1    0
Cook    1    0
Dade    1    0
Emanuel    1    0
Gilmer    1    0
Jenkins    1    0
Johnson    1    0
Lanier    1    0
Long    1    0
Mcintosh    1    0
Oglethorpe    1    1
Stewart    1    0
Talbot    1    0
Union    1    0
Webster    1    0
Wheeler    1    0
Wilcox    1    0
Wilkinson    1    0
Unknown    778    1

Things to know on Thursday 

MORE CORONAVIRUS HEADLINES: 

Watch an orchestra seamlessly perform 'Bolero' from quarantine

Ga. governor announcing new, statewide stay-at-home order: tough talk and a pep talk

Social Security recipients won't have to file tax return to get stimulus check after all

Jobless claims report Thursday could eclipse last week's record

‘Silent spreaders’ could be behind massive infections or second waves of COVID-19

Jermaine Dupri hosting virtual party for #404 day

This is a breakdown of Georgia's coronavirus-related deaths

These are the coronavirus hot spots in Georgia

Tracking COVID-19: Georgia Coronavirus Interactive map

Emory disease expert weighs in on masks for all, says COVID-19 growth rate is like 'tsunami'

Before You Leave, Check This Out