Kemp: Positive trends continue in battle against virus

ATLANTA - Georgia’s governor said he continues to see positive signs in the state’s battle against the coronavirus, even as the state’s death toll from the virus surpassed 1,500 and some health officials expressed concerns about the state’s aggressive plans to restart the economy.

Gov. Brian Kemp said Wednesday that Georgia has the lowest number of COVID-19 patients in hospitals — 1,094 — since April 8. Kemp said the number of patients on ventilators has also dropped to 873.

Kemp eased a few restrictions this week on businesses and child care operations, but said he was keeping most current rules until at least the end of May.

he Republican governor reiterated that he believes Georgia is containing the COVID-19 respiratory illness, despite areas of concern.

Georgia has reported more than 35,400 confirmed cases overall and at least 1,517 confirmed deaths from the virus.

Top health experts continue to warn that loosening restrictions too quickly could spark a resurgence of infections. Kemp has captured nationwide attention with his reopening moves because they were among the earliest and most aggressive.

For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms that clear up within weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness and be fatal.