ATLANTA – About one in 21.2 people living in Georgia have tested positive for COVID-19 since the pandemic began nearly 10 months ago.
The Georgian Department of Public Health reports a serious stage for the state: 500,265 confirmed cases. With an estimated state population in 2019 of 10.62 million, according to the US census. This means that about one in every 21.2 residents here have battled the virus. Tragically, state health officials confirm that 9,396 people have died from the virus, with another 936 deaths suspected of being caused by COVID-19.
Although reaching half a million cases is unfortunate news, it is not the only record that Georgia is breaking when it comes to COVID-19.
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Friday sets a new record for the highest daily number of new cases. State health officials report 6,149 new cases. The previous record was set just eight days ago, on December 10, with 6,115 new cases that day.
Another peak for Georgians is the current hospitalizations for patients with COVID-19. The previous record was restored on July 30, with 3,200 patients in hospital. But Georgia reached a new record on Wednesday, December 16, with 3,221 hospitalizations. Since then, the number has only increased, setting a new record with each passing day. On Friday, the current hospitalizations reached 3,280.
RELATED: CoronavirusNOW.com, FOX’s national hub for COVID-19 news and updates.
Find out how the COVID-19 outbreak is affecting Georgia
Governor Brian Kemp addressed the COVID-19 pandemic on Thursday. He urged all Georgians to follow “4 things”.
- Wash your hands
- Wear a face mask
- Practice social distancing
- Follow public health guidelines
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Governor Kemp says that while health officials have begun administering the Pfizer vaccine and are likely to begin administering the Moderna vaccine soon, residents need to remain vigilant. He says it will be another month before the general public has access to the vaccine.
The main priority at the moment is for employees in the first line of health and then for residents in long-term care units and nursing homes.
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This story was updated to show one in 21.2 Georgians had COVID-19.
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Live map: Coronavirus follow-up in Georgia