UPDATE [9 p.m.]: Since its noontime report, the Georgia Department of Public Health has reported two more deaths due to complications from the new coronavirus. As of 9 p.m., the death toll in Georgia stood at 689. The latest figures also show 188 more cases, bringing the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Georgia to 18,489.
Since the pandemic arrived in Georgia, a total of 3,489 people have been hospitalized.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution has reached out to DPH for more details on the latest numbers.
» RELATED: Following possible peak in deaths, Kemp working on when to reopen Ga.
— Please return to AJC.com for updates.
ORIGINAL STORY [noon]:
Ten more coronavirus-related deaths were reported in Georgia on Sunday, and the number of confirmed cases in the state rose to 18,301.
The recently reported deaths bring the state's overall death toll to 687, according to the latest data from the Department of Public Health.
» COMPLETE COVERAGE: Coronavirus in Georgia
As of noon Sunday, 79,933 people have been tested for COVID-19, the highly contagious disease caused by coronavirus. Of those tests, about 22.9% have come back positive.
Since the public health crisis began, a total of 3,464 people have been hospitalized with coronavirus-related symptoms, a rate of about 18.93%.
» ALSO: A look at major coronavirus developments over the past week
Health officials acknowledge the data is lagging, and the daily totals do not represent the severity of the crisis in Georgia in real time.
The state is increasing its testing capacity, however, and more Georgians are now eligible for testing under new protocols announced Wednesday.
» MORE: Undercount of COVID-19 deaths means full effects on Georgia unknown
Patients between the ages of 18 and 59 make up the majority of cases at 62%, while those 60 and older make up 34% of cases. The DPH does not release compiled data on how many patients have recovered.
» DASHBOARD: Real-time stats and charts tracking coronavirus in Georgia
» MORE: Map tracks coronavirus globally in real time
Fulton County still has the most confirmed cases of COVID-19 with 2,110, up from 2,065 on Saturday evening. DeKalb County has the second highest number with 1,452, followed by Dougherty with 1,422 and Cobb with 1,125, according to the latest data.
Dougherty County, which has a population of approximately 90,000, leads the state in the number of coronavirus-related deaths with 94. Fulton has the second most deaths with 75, followed by Cobb with 51 and Gwinnett with 38.
Anyone showing symptoms of COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus, is eligible to be tested. Health care workers, first responders and other critical workers will be prioritized for testing whether or not they are symptomatic.
» RELATED: Following possible peak in deaths, Kemp working on when to reopen Ga.
Those who believe they are experiencing symptoms or have been exposed to COVID-19 are asked to contact their local health department, their primary care doctor or an urgent care clinic. Do not show up unannounced at a testing site, emergency room or other 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.
In other news:
About the Author
