Georgia surpasses 100,000 total coronavirus cases. Take a look at 24-hour trends
The Georgia Department of Public Health reported over 100,000 cumulative COVID-19 cases Tuesday.
Here are some key takeaways from the latest data:
- Cases: 100,470 (+3,406 in 24 hours). That’s the second-largest single-day increase to date. McClatchy measures new cases by subtracting the total number of infections reported at 3 p.m. from the total number of infections reported the previous day at 3 p.m. This reflects when confirmed cases are reported to the state. The seven-day average for newly reported cases is 2,739.86.
- Deaths: 2,899 (+21 deaths in 24 hours). It’s important to note that these numbers indicate when deaths are reported to the Georgia Department of Public Health. It does not reflect when these deaths occurred.
- Tests: 1,150,472 total. This number includes 171,020 antibody tests and 979,452 viral tests (+30,267 new viral tests in 24 hours). These totals don’t account for tests that are not reported through the state’s electronic lab reporting system.
- Current Hospitalizations: 2,096. That’s an increase of 134 patients in 24 hours. This count does not include patients who are being investigated for possible infection by health officials.
- Cases per 100,000: Echols (4,711.51), Chattahoochee (4,000.37), Stewart (3,328.44), Randolph (3,035.24) and Early (2,828.7) counties have the highest coronavirus rates per 100,000 people in the state.
The health department is not reporting how many Georgians have recovered.
For a complete county-by-county list, visit the Georgia Department of Public Health’s website.
Regional Update
- In Middle Georgia, Bibb and Houston counties reported their largest single-day increases in confirmed cases since the start of the pandemic.
- Bibb County reported 1,346 cases, up 109 cases in 24 hours. As of July 7, 41 coronavirus-related deaths have been confirmed in Bibb. No new deaths were reported.
- Houston County reported 840 cases, up 89 cases in 24 hours. As of July 7, 28 coronavirus-related deaths have been confirmed, an increase of three in 24 hours.
- Muscogee County reported 2,206 total cases, up 40 cases in 24 hours. As of July 7, 54 coronavirus-related deaths have been confirmed in Muscogee, an increase of two in 24 hours.
- Stewart County, located in Columbus’ West Central Health District, has seen its total number of COVID-19 cases almost double since June 25. As of July 7, 204 COVID-19 infections had been confirmed. The county is listed in the New York Times’ top five for the highest number of recent cases per resident. The county is home to the Stewart Detention Center, an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility. As of July 6, 57 detainees there have tested positive for COVID-19.
- Gwinnett County reports the highest number of cases in the state at 9,972.
Promote mask use, mandates not needed, Kemp says
Gov. Brian Kemp told local officials from across the state on a conference call Tuesday that mask use should be promoted, but mandates requiring their use are not needed. A copy of the governor’s comments was provided to McClatchy by his office.
“I realize that many on this call have different opinions on the appropriate response to this pandemic – and that’s fine. But we all agree that masks are good and can help stop the spread,” Kemp said on a call with the Georgia Municipal Association and the ACCG. “So instead of mandates, I’m asking you to join me in raising awareness. I’ve talked to your local radio stations, your local papers, your local television reporters and anchors. I am confident that they will help you share these reminders.”
Kemp’s comments come after his statewide mask promotion tour before the Fourth of July holiday and on the heels of Savannah’s recent mask order. Kemp’s current COVID-19 executive orders prevent local governments from enacting more or less stringent coronavirus restrictions. But local governments have differing legal interpretations on whether or not they can implement a mask mandate.
Governor’s office launches “Georgia Safety Promise”
Kemp on Monday introduced the “Georgia Safety Program,” a campaign to remind Georgia businesses, residents and visitors to follow COVID-19 safety guidelines.
Businesses who commit to the program voluntarily agree to follow the latest guidelines from the Georgia Department of Public Health such as promoting social distancing, the use of face coverings, cleaning surfaces and proper handwashing. Businesses who fill out a form on the safety program’s website get social media graphics, signage and other items displaying their support.
“Now is a vital time for businesses to do everything they can to boost and restore consumer and employee confidence,” Karen Bremer, CEO of the Georgia Restaurant Association, said in a portion of her statement. “Businesses can think of the Georgia Safety Promise as a complimentary marketing asset that will help communicate your commitment to your patrons’ health and well-being.”
This story was originally published July 7, 2020 at 3:50 PM.