Latest Atlanta coronavirus news: COVID-19 cases in Georgia pass 43K over Memorial Day weekend

Deaths increased to 1,848 by 7 p.m. on Memorial Day; confirmed cases reached 43,400

Georgia officials are preparing for an increase in Memorial Day travel that will test the state’s coronavirus response strategy.

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This blog will be updated throughout Tuesday, May 26, with news and details of COVID-19 in Georgia.

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7 p.m.: The AJC is keeping track of reported coronavirus deaths and cases across Georgia, as reported by the Department of Public Health. Tuesday evening, there are at least 1,895 deaths from COVID-19 and 43,983 confirmed cases in the state.

2 p.m.: Raisa Habersham reports Elizabeth Baptist Church on Cascade Road is offering free COVID-19 testing in June. Free food will be provided.

2 p.m.: Old Fourth Ward restaurants and bars have signed a pledge to follow 64 safety guidelines when they reopen. Yvonne Zusel has the story.

1:30 p.m.: David Wickert reports Xpress bus service plans to restore about 5 percent of its service beginning June 1. It will answer questions during an online public chat with Chief Transit Officer Gail Franklin at noon Wednesday.

1 p.m.: According to the Department of Public Health, as of Tuesday afternoon, there are at least 1,871 deaths from COVID-19 and 43,730 confirmed cases in the state.

1 p.m.: James Salzer reports that Georgia senators have raised the possibility that staffers be required to work the same number of hours for less pay rather than staffers being furloughed to meet mandated budget cuts.

1 p.m.Adrianne Murchison reports on North Fulton pools beginning to reopen after Milton City Pool reopened over the weekend with state social distancing guidelines in place.

noon: The Trap Music Museum will reopen June 5 with safety measures in place. Melissa Ruggieri has the story.

11:15 a.m.Kristal Dixon reports on Six Flag's new "extensive" safety protocols meant to protect guests and employees from possible exposure to the novel coronavirus, including at Six Flags Over Georgia and Cobb County's White Water.

11 a.m. Bo Emerson reports the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta will provide $580,000 in grants to help metro area arts groups survive the COVID-19 crisis.

11 a.m.: Meet the man many have been watching at Gov. Brian Kemp's COVID-19 press conferences, sign language interpreter David Cowan. Keri Janton and Ryon Horne have the story.

10 a.m.Wendell Brock has the details on how traditional eating will continue at Briarcliff Road's Feedel Bistro, an Ethiopian and Eritrean eatery, with safety put first.

8 a.m.: Leon Stafford reports Clayton County plans to hold virtual meetings to discuss the upcoming SPLOST referendum at 1 p.m. Wednesday. Another meeting will follow at 11 a.m June 2.

7 a.m: Google.org gave 133 metro Atlanta teachers $1,000 each in grant money to help students learn from home. Vanessa McCray has the details.

5 a.m.: Reflecting on the prospect of possibly never wearing high heels again amid the coronavirus pandemic, Gracie Bonds Staples reports on an Atlanta-shot documentary all about the shoe from independent filmmaker Adelin Gasana.

OVERNIGHT

The AJC is keeping track of reported coronavirus deaths and cases across Georgia, as reported by the Department of Public Health. Monday evening, there are at least 1,848 deaths from COVID-19 and 43,400 confirmed cases in the state.

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