UPDATE [7 p.m.]: In the seven hours since the last update, the Georgia Department of Public Health announced Tuesday night that there have been six more deaths from COVID-19 across the state in addition to 71 more confirmed cases.
That brings the number of confirmed cases to 1,097 since the coronavirus pandemic entered Georgia. The total surpassed 1,000 cases at noon Monday.
At least 38 Georgians have died as a result of COVID-19. The DPH also released the number of people who have been hospitalized due to the virus, which is 361.
Nearly 5,500 tests have been conducted statewide. About 20% of those tests returned positive results.
Three counties — Fannin, Seminole and Telfair — recorded their first confirmed cases, with Seminole reporting two. The number of affected counties is now at 88, which is more than half of the state’s 159 counties.
DeKalb County saw the largest increase since noon Tuesday with 13 new cases, followed by Dougherty at 11 and Fulton at 7.
Of the metro Atlanta counties, Fulton continues to lead the count with 191 cases of the virus. As of 7 p.m. Tuesday, there were 107 cases in DeKalb, 90 in Cobb, 76 in Bartow, 46 in Gwinnett, 30 in Cherokee, 21 in Clayton, 16 in Hall, 13 in Henry, 12 in Fayette, 12 in Douglas, eight in Forsyth, eight in Rockdale, six in Paulding and six in Newton.
For the full update, click here.
ORIGINAL STORY [noon]: The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Georgia has surpassed 1,000 as health officials reported 226 new cases and six new deaths Tuesday.
A total of 1,026 confirmed cases were reported by the Georgia Department of Public Health, an increase of about 28% from Monday’s final count of 800.
COVID-19, the disease caused by the new virus, has resulted in the deaths of 32 Georgians, according to the latest data from the health department.
» COMPLETE COVERAGE: Coronavirus in Georgia
Roughly half of the counties in the state now have coronavirus cases. Fifteen more, including Walton and Jasper counties, reported their first cases Tuesday, bringing the number of affected counties to 85.
Fulton County continues to lead the way in new cases, with 32 more reported Tuesday. Dougherty County in southwest Georgia, which has been hit especially hard by COVID-19 and has a significantly smaller population than Fulton, reported 21 new cases for a total of 90.
Of the metro Atlanta counties, there are now 184 cases of the virus in Fulton, 94 in DeKalb, 86 in Cobb, 75 in Bartow, 45 in Gwinnett, 28 in Cherokee, 21 in Clayton, 14 in Hall, 13 in Henry, seven in Rockdale, six in Paulding and five in Newton.
The 1,026 positive cases were confirmed from more than 5,400 tests conducted across the state. About 19% of all tests conducted returned positive results.
Adults younger than 60 now make up a majority of the cases, while 36% occur in seniors and 1% in children.
On Monday, Gov. Brian Kemp announced a series of statewide measures to slow the spread of the virus, including a ban on most gatherings of more than 10 people and an order for medically fragile residents to shelter in place for two weeks.
» RELATED: Kemp bans many gatherings, orders shelter in place for 'medically fragile' in Georgia
His announcement came hours before Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms signed a more comprehensive 14-day order for all city residents to stay at home.
“We are all part of the solution,” Kemp said Monday. “If your friends, neighbors or local organizations are not complying, call them out. Or report them to us.”
Even as the confirmed number of cases grows, public health experts say the actual count of coronavirus cases in Georgia is likely far higher.
» AJC IN-DEPTH: Confusion, scarcity lead to haphazard testing in state's virus response
For most, COVID-19 causes only mild or moderate symptoms. Older adults and those with existing health problems are at risk of more severe illnesses, including pneumonia. The vast majority of people recover in a matter of weeks.
» DASHBOARD: Real-time stats and charts tracking coronavirus in Georgia
» MORE: Map tracks coronavirus globally in real time
Those who believe they are experiencing symptoms or have been exposed to COVID-19 are asked to contact their primary care doctor or an urgent care clinic. Do not show up unannounced at an emergency room or health care facility.
Georgians can also call the state COVID-19 hotline at 844-442-2681 to share public health information and connect with medical professionals.
— Please return to AJC.com for updates.
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