Confirmed coronavirus cases in Georgia rises to 42
A transmission electron microscope image shows SARS-CoV-2, also known as the 2019 novel coronavirus, which causes COVID-19, isolated from a patient in the United States. Note the crown-like spikes on the outer edge of the virus, hence the term "coron (NIAID-RML)
UPDATE: 64 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Georgia, governor declares public health emergency
Original story below
The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Georgia continues to increase, according to state health officials.
The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) said Friday morning there were 42 confirmed cases of the coronavirus in 14 counties.
Here is a breakdown of the cases as of Friday morning:
Confirmed COVID-19 Cases (Total: 42)
- Fulton County: 8
- Floyd County: 1
- Polk County: 1
- Cobb County: 8
- Cherokee County: 2
- Bartow County: 4
- Lee County: 1
- Fayette County: 5
- Coweta County: 1
- DeKalb County: 5
- Gwinnett County: 2
- Gordon County: 2
- Lowndes County: 1
- Charlton County: 1
On Thursday, Governor Brian Kemp announced the first coronavirus-related death in Georgia, a 67-year-old man.
MORE: First coronavirus related death confirmed in Georgia
More than a dozen school districts across metro Atlanta have announced they will close for two weeks, or until further notice, to deter the new virus. Most of those school systems said they hope to continue delivering lessons online to more than 700,000 students. Larger school districts outside of metro Atlanta are mostly staying open, though.
Additionally, Georgia's 26 public colleges and universities will close for two weeks starting Monday.
MORE: List of school closures in Georgia
Georgia lawmakers agreed that Gov. Brian Kemp can spend $100 million to combat COVID-19. The House and Senate voted Thursday for midyear budget adjustments that shift the money from Georgia's $2.8 billion in reserves to Kemp's emergency fund.
Officials said the money would be used to match federal funding and other state spending. House Appropriations Committee Chairman Terry England said an additional $5 million is also provided to rural hospitals to cover expenses associated with coronavirus. Despite the new money, the plan still cuts $159 million from other spending in the state budget year that runs through June 30.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, adults who are 60+ and people with serious medical conditioners, such as heart disease and diabetes, are at higher risk of getting very sick from coronavirus.
Best prevention measures:
- Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least twenty seconds.
- If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces