Georgia coronavirus cases surpass 500 infections
Students receive meals and books from Calhoun City Schools staff and volunteers outside their homes in Calhoun, Georgia on Thursday, March 19, 2020. The school district recently shuttered its doors in an effort to slow the spread of coronavirus, but bus drivers still drive their normal routes to deliver hot meals to an area where 60% of students qualify for free and reduced-price lunch. (AP Photo/Angie Wang)
Children walk away with meals and books delivered by Calhoun City Schools staff members and volunteers in Calhoun, Georgia on Thursday, March 19, 2020. The school district recently shuttered its doors in an effort to slow the spread of coronavirus, but bus drivers still drive their normal routes to deliver hot meals to an area where 60% of students qualify for free and reduced-price lunch. (AP Photo/Angie Wang)
A cafeteria worker packages hot lunches at Calhoun Elementary School in Calhoun, Georgia on Thursday, March 19, 2020. The city's school district recently shuttered its doors in an effort to slow the spread of coronavirus, but the district's school bus drivers still drive their normal routes to deliver hot meals to an area where 60% of students qualify for free and reduced-price lunch. (AP Photo/Angie Wang)
Orangetheory workout instructor Julia Crosby films a 30-minute home workout session for people to use to stay fit while they are practicing social distancing due to the coronavirus, in Piedmont Park on Thursday, March 19, 2020, in Atlanta. (Steve SchaeferAtlanta Journal-Constitution via AP)
A woman walks across a normally packed parking lot at The Varsity Thursday, March 19, 2020, in Atlanta. The Varsity, known for its chili dogs and onion rings, closed their dining room ahead Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms' order limiting restaurants to takeout only in hopes of slowing the spread of coronavirus. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
A woman wears a protective mask as she walks in downtown Athens, Ga. Friday, March 20, 2020. The city of Athens and Clarke County have pasted an ordinance requiring residents to shelter in place and is mandating social distancing to help slow the spread of COVID-19 virus. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
A sign in a record store window tells customers the store is closed to the public until further notice because of the coronavirus ,Friday, March 20, 2020, in Athens, Ga. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
A couple walks past the marquee of the Georgia Theatre Friday, March 20, 2020, in Downton Athens, Ga. A note posted on the theatre's door says they are close and all shows are postponed. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
American and Canadian cruise ship passengers from the Costa Luminosa cruise ship arrive at Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, near Atlanta, Friday, March 20, 2020. Three people on the flight have tested positive for COVID-19 but have no symptoms, while 13 others are sick but haven't been tested, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services said Friday. (John Spink/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP)
American and Canadian cruise ship passengers from the Costa Luminosa arrive at Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, near Atlanta , Friday, March 20, 2020. Three people on the flight have tested positive for COVID-19 but have no symptoms, while 13 others are sick but haven't been tested, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services said Friday. (John Spink/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP)
SAVANNAH, Ga. (AP) — Coronavirus infections in Georgia surpassed 500 on Saturday, with more than one-third of counties in the state reporting at least one confirmed case.
Total cases of COVID-19 statewide were up from 485 Friday evening, according to the Georgia Department of Public Health. The statewide death toll stood at 14.
Cases have been reported in at least 55 of Georgia's 159 counties. Metro Atlanta still accounts for the largest overall number of cases, with Fulton County reporting more than 90 infections from the new virus. But two counties with a fraction of Atlanta's population are among those hit the hardest.
In southwest Georgia, Albany and surrounding Dougherty County have ordered residents to stay home unless they're going to work, buying food, seeking medical care or exercising. The county has reported at least six deaths and more than 45 cases. Infections in Bartow County northwest of Atlanta have surpassed 55.
Meanwhile, a second Georgia lawmaker announced that she has tested positive for COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus. Republican state Sen. Kay Kirkpatrick of Marietta said she was tested after coming down with a fever a week ago and got the result Friday. Kirkpatrick said she and her husband have quarantined themselves at home and she's “comfortable that I have not put anyone at risk.”
“Fortunately, it is a great time to be on my back porch,” Kirkpatrick, a physician, wrote on her Facebook page. “Although I am in the at-risk age group, I am blessed to be very healthy and thankful that I am recovering without complications.”
One of her legislative colleagues, GOP Sen. Brandon Beach of Alpharetta, previously announced he had been diagnosed with the coronavirus. Georgia's 235 other representatives and senators, plus legislative employees, have been urged to self-quarantine through March 30. Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan, a Republican who presides over the state Senate, said he is staying home.
The General Assembly has suspended its regular session because of the coronavirus outbreak.
Of Georgians who have died, the average age was just over 66, with the oldest being 85 and the youngest 42, according the state Department of Public Health. At least 10 had underlying health conditions.
For most people, the virus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe complications such as pneumonia. The vast majority recover.
While schools and colleges statewide have been closed, Republican Gov. Brian Kemp has refrained from ordering restaurants and other businesses to shut down, leaving those decisions to local governments. Like Dougherty County, Athens-Clarke County has imposed some of the toughest restrictions ordering residents to stay home except for work, doctor visits or other necessities.
As the spring break season arrives, local governments have closed public beaches at Tybee Island and St. Simons Island on the Georgia coast. Officials have also shut down Jekyll Island, a state park.
Georgia has opened at least 13 drive-thru locations for virus testing and plans more. Kemp says priority for tests is being given to those at highest risk— the elderly, people who already have chronic illnesses, those in nursing homes or other long-term care facilities and first responders such as paramedics.
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