UPDATE [7 p.m.]: In the seven hours since the last update, the Georgia Department of Public Heath announced Monday night that there has been one more death from COVID-19 across the state in addition to 28 more confirmed cases.
That brings the number of confirmed cases to 800 since the coronavirus pandemic entered Georgia. At least 26 Georgians have died as a result of COVID-19.
So far, Georgia has conducted more than 5,000 tests, resulting in the 800 positive cases. About 15.8% of tests conducted returned positive results.
Three counties — Burke, Harris and Liberty — recorded their first confirmed case. The total number of affected counties is now at 70.
Fulton County saw the largest increase since noon Monday with seven new cases, followed by Dougherty with five and Cherokee with four.
Of the metro Atlanta counties, Fulton continues to lead the count with 152 cases of the virus. As of 7 p.m. Monday, there were 79 cases in Cobb, 74 in DeKalb, 61 in Bartow, 35 in Gwinnett, 24 in Cherokee, 19 in Clayton, 11 in Fayette, 10 in Hall, nine in Henry, seven in Forsyth, five in Paulding, five in Rockdale and four in Newton.
ORIGINAL STORY [noon]: State health officials on Monday reported 152 more confirmed cases of the coronavirus.
The latest data from the Georgia Department of Public Health show 772 confirmed cases, up 25% from the 620 cases reported Sunday. While no new deaths were reported Monday, 25 Georgians have died as a result of COVID-19, the disease caused by the new virus.
» COMPLETE COVERAGE: Coronavirus in Georgia
The 772 positive cases were confirmed from more than 5,000 tests conducted across the state, according to health officials. About 15% of all tests conducted returned positive results.
“Today’s significant increase in cases is in part reflective of improvement in electronic reporting efficiency from commercial laboratories,” officials said in Monday’s update. “These reports often have sparse patient data and DPH will be working to complete these records, so data will change over time.”
Five more Georgia counties are reporting coronavirus cases as of Monday, bringing the total number of affected counties to 67.
Fulton and DeKalb counties lead the way in new cases, with 34 more reported in Fulton and 22 in DeKalb. Dougherty County in southwest Georgia, which has been hit especially hard by COVID-19, reported 12 new cases.
Of the metro Atlanta counties, there are now 145 cases of the virus in Fulton, 79 in Cobb, 75 in DeKalb, 61 in Bartow, 34 in Gwinnett, 20 in Cherokee, 18 in Clayton, 10 in Hall, nine in Henry, five in Paulding, and four each in Newton and Rockdale.
With Georgia taking steps to ration its limited supply of test kits and hospital systems urging mild cases not to seek testing, experts say the number of cases is likely far higher.
» RELATED: First Fulton County Jail inmate tests positive for COVID-19
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.
Those who can recover at home by managing symptoms in isolation are advised to do so.
» AJC IN-DEPTH: Health care workers in harm's way in coronavirus battle
A growing number of Georgia counties and cities have imposed restrictions on citizens and private businesses to slow the spread of the disease. Some have imposed curfews, while others have banned large gatherings and dine-in service at restaurants.
» RELATED: DeKalb County puts restrictions on businesses, gatherings
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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