Coronavirus in Georgia: Latest on COVID-19 in Atlanta and the state

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 Tuesday, March 31, with news and details of COVID-19 in Georgia.

» Complete coverage: Coronavirus

7 p.m.:

A day after Georgia surpassed 3,000 confirmed cases of coronavirus, the state passed 4,000, Chelsea Prince and Zachary Hansen report. In total, 125 patients have died as a result of the virus.

Since the noon update, DPH announced 188 new cases, bringing the statewide total to 4,117. Georgia’s death toll rose to 125.

5 p.m.:

Between the Georgia Department of Public Health’s noon and 7 p.m. updates, the department tweaked the statewide total for coronavirus cases, deaths and hospitalizations, Chelsea Prince and Zachary Hansen report.

The DPH recorded 3,929 confirmed cases, 111 deaths and 833 hospitalizations, which is about 21.2% of all cases. The update added 112 cases to the total along with three deaths.

4 p.m.: The state will deploy more than 100 Georgia National Guardsmen in the coming weeks to assisted living facilities and nursing homes with coronavirus cases to help limit the exposure to the virus among the state's most vulnerable residents. Brad Shrade has the story.

2:15 p.m.: Playing ATL Food Bingo can win you a $300 restaurant prize package. Henri Hollis explains how to play.

1:15 p.m.: Gov. Brian Kemp's office and the state's public colleges and universities on Tuesday announced plans to dramatically increase coronavirus testing capacity in Georgia by about 3,000 tests per day. J. Scott Trubey tells you what that means.

Noon:

Confirmed coronavirus cases in Georgia rose steadily Tuesday, Chelsea Prince reports.

There are now at least 3,817 cases statewide, according to the latest data from the Georgia Department of Public Health. Six more Georgians have died since Monday night, bringing the state’s death toll to 108.

10:30 am.:

Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms ordered on Tuesday that city employees who are still required to report to work during the coronavirus pandemic will receive an extra $500 per month in hazard pay. Stephen Deere has the details.

9:30 a.m.:

State Rep. Rick Williams is a funeral home director. O

n Monday, asked Gov. Brian Kemp for clear directives on how funerals are conducted after a jumble of phone calls from concerned compatriots. Jim Galloway, Greg Bluestein and Tia Mitchell are reporting the story.

» Coronavirus in Georgia: stats in real time

» Why WHO says we shouldn't be calling it 'social distancing'

8:30 a.m.:

More than 100 athletes, coaches and figures from more than 20 sports across the globe have donated memorabilia to help raise money for a COVID-19 response fund, the AJC’s Sports team reports.

“Athletes for Relief” will raffle items among those who make a minimum $25 donation. The items include signed jerseys by a number of athletes, including Atlanta’s Trae Young.

7 a.m.: Georgia election officials began mailing absentee ballot request forms Monday to the state's 6.9 million active voters, making it easier for them to vote without having to show up in person. Mark Niesses explains what to do next.

OVERNIGHT

The Elton John-hosted "Living Room Concert for America" raised more than $8 million for the Feeding America and First Responders Children's Foundation charities. If you missed it, music blogger Melissa Ruggieri tells you how to catch an encore presentation.
An employee at Scientific Games in Alpharetta, where scratch-off lottery tickets are made, has tested positive for COVID-19, according to a company statement issued Monday. Adrianne Murchison has the details.

» Your money: Resources during the coronavirus pandemic

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