Latest Atlanta coronavirus news: COVID-19 deaths in Georgia near 2,000

Deaths from COVID-19 in Georgia at 1,973; there are 45,266 confirmed cases

Georgia’s largest public universities have proposed layoffs, not filling many positions and cutting back some programs to meet budget cuts ordered by state leaders to fill a revenue decline created by the coronavirus pandemic.

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 28, 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. There are now at least 1,973 deaths in Georgia and 45,266 cases.

5:30 p.m.: Small plates, and chef's counters pose problems for dining during pandemic. Ligaya Figueras reports on how restaurants are rethinking menus in the age of the coronavirus.

3:30 p.m.: Blood clots appear to be worse in African Americans with COVID-19 and might be why blacks are suffering more than white patients. Nancy Clanton writes about a new study published Wednesday.

3:30 p.m.: Out-of-work mixologists and bartenders will compete for a chance to win a $10,000 cash prize and the opportunity to serve as, the mixologist of Flippin' Bird Brands for the remainder of 2020. Yvonne Zusel has the details.

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 1,962 deaths in Georgia and 45,070 cases.

12:45 p.m.: Georgia's recent spike in new COVID-19 cases likely indicates the virus is spreading and cannot be solely attributed to a surge in testing, a prominent public health expert said Thursday. Willoughby Mariano tells you what that means.

10:30 a.m.: Fulton County Jail is scheduled to receive more than 2,000 masks today as protection from the coronavirus. At least 33 inmates have tested positive for the virus since March, Adrianne Murchison reports.

8:45 a.m.: CVS Health will double the number of drive-through COVID-19 testing sites in Georgia. Zachary Hansen has the details.

8:30 a.m.: Closures caused by Covid-19 sent unemployment rate soaring in Atlanta, Michael E. Kanell reports.

8:30 a.m.: City and state officials across the U.S. have said they have a sufficient number of ventilators, Adrianne Murchison reports, but a Johns Creek medical student has been focused on a possible escalation of the coronavirus disease later this year.

6:45 a.m.: Gov. Brian Kemp has indicated he'll extend coronavirus restrictions on businesses and restaurants that are set to soon expire. Greg Bluestein and Ligaya Figueras report. He could also outline new guidelines that allow bars, nightclubs and live performance venues to reopen.

6:15 a.m.: The director of the Bronner Bros. International Beauty Show decided to do what he could to help barbers, stylists and spa owners during tough financial times due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Shelia M. Poole tells you how.

6 a.m.: Marietta joins several other cities in metro Atlanta in uncertainty over whether and how to mark Independence Day without putting their communities at risk. Our reporters have the details.

» Coronavirus in Georgia: stats in real time

» Tips to keep you safer as Georgia reopens during pandemic

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