Latest Atlanta coronavirus news: Georgia COVID-19 cases pass 40K, deaths pass 1,700

There are now 1,754 deaths from COVID-19 and 40,405 confirmed cases

Doctors, testing agencies and public health officials have been tallying the case numbers using a variety of metrics, including mapping where people with the virus live, to determine the best response to the outbreak.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution is committed to providing our readers with the most comprehensive coverage of the deadly coronavirus.

This blog will be updated throughout Thursday, May 21, with news and details of COVID-19 in Georgia.

» Complete coverage: Coronavirus

1 p.m.: The AJC is keeping track of reported coronavirus deaths and cases across Georgia, as reported by the Department of Public Health. At midday, there are at least 1,754 deaths from COVID-19 and 40,405 confirmed cases

12:30 p.m.: The AJC invites children ages 13 and under to share drawings that salute, thank and celebrate metro Atlanta's front-line workers. Check out some of the art we've already received.

Noon: It's almost Memorial Day weekend, and Yvonne Zusel tells you the seven metro Atlanta shops offering contactless or near contacless curbside pickup of beer, wine and liquor.

9:30 a.m: Need to stock up on face masks? Kiersten Willis has suggestions for where you can get reusable ones right now

9 a.m.: Popular Atlanta mixed-use development Ponce City Market is set to begin reopening many of its restaurants and retailers starting tomorrow, Yvonne Zusel reports.

7:30 a.m.: Gwinnett County's diagnosed coronavirus cases are most concentrated on its east side, health department data shows, but its health officials say they are being cautious about interpreting the numbers. Amanda C. Coyne has the details.

7 a.m.: Georgia's unemployment rate reached a record high of 11.9% in April as coronavirus-linked closures of businesses set off a flood of jobless claims, the Department of Labor said Thursday. Michael E. Kanell has the report.

6:30 a.m.: The city of Tucker is unable to holds a traditional summer camp this year due to the coronavirus, but, as J.D. Capelouto reports, it still plans to offer a slate of recreational options for families.

6:15 a.m.: If you are a volunteer or staffer at the Atlanta Community Food Bank, you may be better protected from the spread of COVID-19, thanks to a donation from a Chicago-based company. Shelia M. Poole has the details.

» Coronavirus in Georgia: stats in real time

» Tips to keep you safer as Georgia reopens during pandemic

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