Coronavirus updates for March 29: Statewide cases continue to climb
We’re tracking the most up-to-date information about the coronavirus in the Chattahoochee Valley. Check back for updates.
Coroner confirms first death in Muscogee County
A local official has confirmed first death in Muscogee County related to the new coronavirus.
Muscogee County Coroner Buddy Bryan told the Ledger-Enquirer on Sunday that an 85-year-old man died at 4:13 p.m. in the intensive care unit of Piedmont Columbus Regional’s Midtown campus. The man had previously tested positive for the virus.
The man was a Columbus resident, according to the coroner.
Bryan could not say whether the individual had any underlying medical conditions, but did confirm that the death was related to COVID-19.
Piedmont Columbus Regional spokesperson Jessica Roberts could not provide any further information on the individual.
President Trump approves Georgia Disaster Declaration
President Donald Trump approved Georgia’s disaster declaration Sunday, ordering federal assistance to supplement state and local recovery efforts, the White House announced in a statement.
The White House said federal funds are available to the state as well as “eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations for emergency protective measures.”
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp declared a public health emergency in Georgia on March 14.
The Georgia Department of Public Health at noon Sunday confirmed 2,651 cases of COVID-19 in the state, up by 205 from the last update at 7 p.m. Saturday.
Georgia cases top 2,600
Statewide, 83 people have now died from the novel coronavirus, an increase of three since noon Sunday.
Muscogee County has 9 cases confirmed as of 7 p.m. Sunday, with one new case reported after the noon update.
Troup County also had an increase of one case as of 7 p.m. Sunday with 10 total cases, as did Harris County, now with 3 total cases.
The Georgia Public Health Laboratory and private labs had conducted a total of 12,564 COVID-19 tests. The state has tested 1,895 people. Private labs have tested 10,669 state officials said.
The state health department reports 678 people have been hospitalized due to the virus.
State health officials have not provided a breakdown of the residents tested for COVID-19 in each county. The state is also not tracking the number of people who have recovered from COVID-19.
Columbus Symphony Orchestra reschedules remainder of season
The remainder of the Orchestra’s 2019-20 season will be rescheduled to next season, Executive Director Eric Thomas said in an email.
All concert tickets will still be valid and will be honored at the rescheduled concert dates.
“As we closely monitor the progress of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), we believe it is in the best interest of our musicians, staff, loyal audiences, and the Columbus community at large to postpone the remainder of our events,” Thomas said.
This story was originally published March 29, 2020 at 10:17 AM.
