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CORONAVIRUS IN GEORGIA: What’s happening today - March 19, 2020

By WSBTV.com News Staff
By WSBTV.com News Staff

ATLANTA — Here’s a roundup of what’s happening so far today, March 19: (Click here for the previous day)

We’ll bring you LIVE updates every hour on Channel 2 Action News. Get extended coverage on the free WSB Now app at 10 p.m. on your Roku, Amazon Fire and Apple TV.

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  • The number of coronavirus cases confirmed in Georgia is up to 287. There are now 10 deaths. The Georgia Department of Public Health released the new numbers at noon Thursday.
  • Atlanta Public Schools said it has its first confirmed case of coronavirus. The district said the employee had no exposure to other students or staff. The employee has been directed to self-quarantine.
  • Gov. Kemp says the state has taken action to get more coronavirus tests to hospitals.
  • Kemp urging Georgians to follow guidelines set out by health officials of social distancing, washing hands and more.
  • Kemp broke down 10 coronavirus deaths by county:
  • Early County: 1
  • Fayette: 1
  • Dougherty: 4
  • Floyd: 1
  • Fulton: 2
  • Cobb: 1
  • Kemp said at this time, he has no plans to issue a statewide quarantine.
  • State has set up a coronavirus hotline: 1-844-442-2681
  • GEMA nearly done with isolation facility being built on state training property.
  • Kemp says hospital bed issues continues to be a top priority.
  • State lab has conducted more than 500 tests so far, with more than 100 positive results.
  • Dr. Kathleen Toomey, director of the Georgia Department of Public Health, says state has purchased 500 specimen collection kits which will be distributed across the state.
  • Setting up a high capacity test sites in Cherokee County and in Albany. Only people who are symptomatic will be seen at these sites, as well as emergency personnel.
  • Atlanta mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms signed an executive order, effective at midnight, that will close several businesses, including bars that do not serve food. The order will allow restaurants to stay open but for take out and delivery only.
  • Publix announced it will designate Tuesday and Wednesday mornings, 7 – 8 a.m., as senior shopping hours for customers age 65 and over.
  • Atlanta-based The Home Depot becomes the latest to change store hours. Click here for a full list of stores that have adjusted.
  • Georgia Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan to self-quarantine after member of state Senate tests positive for coronavirus. State Sen. Brandon Beach confirmed he tested positive.
  • Piedmont Hospital doctors are now only performing urgent or emergency surgeries. We sat down with the hospital’s chief medical officer about the problems it is facing.
  • South Fulton also enacting a citywide curfew starting daily at 9 p.m.
  • Local small business owners can now apply for a disaster loan. CLICK HERE to learn more.
  • Atlanta Film Festival that was set for May has been postponed.
  • Atlanta United’s season has been postponed by a few more weeks. Major League Soccer said Thursday it will follow CDC’s recommendation of 8 weeks without crowds.

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