ATLANTA — We're breaking down the trends and relaying information from across the state of Georgia as it comes in, bringing perspective to the data and context to the trends.
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.
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.
Key Facts:
- As of 1 p.m., there have been 1,974 deaths in Georgia, with the state's earliest reported death on March 5. Over the last 14 days (5/16-5/29), the average daily increase in newly reported deaths was 27.57 deaths each day. Over the previous 14-day period (5/2-5/15), the average daily increase in newly reported deaths was 26.86.
- There have been 45,670 cases confirmed in Georgia, with the state's earliest reported case on Feb. 1. Over the last 14 days, the average daily increase in newly confirmed cases was 613.71 new cases a day. Over the previous 14-day period, the average daily increase in newly confirmed cases was 594.93.
- There have been 7,838 total patients hospitalized in Georgia during the pandemic, according to the Department of Public Health's cumulative total. Over the last 14 days, the average daily increase in new patients was 91.79 new patients a day. Over the previous 14-day period, the average daily increase in new patients was 73.64.
- The Georgia Emergency Management Agency began reporting current statewide hospitalizations on May 1. That day they reported 1,500 current hospitalizations. By the most recent report on May 28, there were 902 current hospitalizations.
- Gov. Brian Kemp's statewide shelter-in-place order expired at midnight on April 30. However, his order for the elderly and medically-fragile remains in effect until June 12.
- Public Health Emergency has been extended until July 12.
DPH moving to once-a-day data updates
The Georgia Department of Public Health will begin updating its statewide data only once a day starting next Tuesday, June 2, the agency said in a tweet.
The daily update will be made at 3 p.m.
"This will allow time to process and validate lab and case reports to improve data quality and accuracy," the department wrote.
Things to know for Friday, May 29
- We compared how Georgia and Florida - neighbors, and two states with governors who have been the most forward in reopening - are faring in terms of case increases since lifting most restrictions on activity.
- We also identified the zip code in Fulton County with the most COVID-19 cases.
- Gov. Kemp weighed in on the mask debate, endorsing the practice. Wearing a mask helps prevent you or me from spreading the virus if we happen it have it, especially if you're asymptomatic. So, if you’re wearing a mask, you’re protecting other people,” he said.
- The governor also announced that bars and nightclubs may reopen on June 1, that amusement parks can again operate on June 12, and other easing of restrictions.
- Georgia's unemployment numbers are at an all-time high.
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