Georgia Sees 1000 New COVID Cases Amid Reopening

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports:

State health officials have confirmed an additional 1,000 cases of the new coronavirus in the past 24 hours, bringing Georgia’s total infections above 27,000. As of noon Thursday, the Georgia Department of Public Health was reporting just over 26,000 confirmed cases. That number now stands at 27,134, according to data released at 12:25 p.m. Friday.

At least 1,147 Georgians have died of COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus. The health department verified an additional 40 deaths since midday Thursday.

Gov. Brian Kemp said he is still urging residents to stay home whenever possible, and businesses must continue to operate under strict social distancing guidelines until May 13. The elderly and medically fragile remain under a shelter-in-place order through June 12.