Live updates May 29: Columbus hospitals receive COVID-19 treatment, plus more news
We’re tracking the most up-to-date information about the coronavirus in the Chattahoochee Valley. Check back for updates.
DPH distributes additional allotments of remdesivir to Georgia hospitals
The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) this week is distributing 18,440 vials of the drug remdesivir received from the federal government. Nearly 85 hospitals in Georgia will receive remdesivir, enough to treat about 1,676 patients with COVID-19 infection, depending on the duration of an individual’s illness and treatment needs.
St. Francis Hospital and Piedmont Health System are among those receiving the allotment, according to a release from DPH.
Remdesivir is an antiviral medicine being used to treat hospitalized patients with serious symptoms caused by COVID-19 like low oxygen levels or pneumonia. It has been found to shorten the duration of disease in patients being treated in inpatient hospital settings.
Remdesivir has not been approved by the FDA for widespread use because it is still being studied. It was originally developed for use against Ebola. Clinical trials for remdesivir were done in Georgia at Emory University Hospital.
Where you can find free school meals this summer in the Columbus area
Columbus area school districts have announced their plans to continue providing free meals to children during summer vacation.
Here’s where you can find free school meals.
Kemp eases more coronavirus restrictions in transition to ‘new normal’
Gov. Brian Kemp eased more of the state’s coronavirus restrictions and will allow previously shuttered businesses such as bars and nightclubs to reopen June 1.
Kemp made the announcement during his weekly press conference Thursday, citing positive data and guidance from the state’s public health commissioner Dr. Kathleen Toomey.
COVID-19 changes summer rules for local high school football
Summer workouts for local prep football teams will look much different this year because of the coronavirus pandemic.
