Latest Atlanta coronavirus news: Georgia’s COVID-19 deaths near 1,300

There are now 1,294 deaths from COVID-19 and 29,839 confirmed cases

More than 26,000 cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in Georgia as of Thursday, officials said.

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, May 5, with news and details of COVID-19 in Georgia.

» Complete coverage: Coronavirus

7 p.m.: Georgia's Department of Public Health announced the state's death toll from COVID-19 has risen to 1,294 and confirmed cases stand at 29,839.

2:30 p.m.: A few retailers have begun asking customers to mask up upon entry to curb coronavirus spread. But, Christopher Quinn reports, Costco and Whole Foods are taking a harder line: no mask, no entry.

» Photos: Georgians offer Mother's Day tributes from afar

» Is it safe to send flowers this Mother's Day?

Noon: The Department of Public Health updated Georgia's tolls from the coronavirus. There are now 1,258 deaths from COVID-19 and 29,560 confirmed cases.

11:45 a.m.: While most of the country is Googling recipes for banana bread, Georgians are seeking ways to cook a certain vegetable.

11:30 a.m.: This election will look like none other before. Mark Niesse has the answers to your questions about voting absentee in Georgia.

11:30 a.m.: With their lives restricted for their safety, the 300 residents of the Mount Vernon Towers Condominiums in Sandy Springs lost their amusement. Students at Wesleyan School in Peachtree Corners are trying to give it back, Bo Emerson reports.

11 a.m.: Gov. Brian Kemp visited Albany on Tuesday to celebrate efforts to contain the virus in southwest Georgia — and warn of another outbreak across the state. Greg Bluestein and Curtis Compton have the story.

» Coronavirus in Georgia: stats in real time

11 a.m.: A second large-scale coronavirus testing event will be held at the Infinite Energy Center in Duluth on Friday.  Amanda C. Coyne has the details.

9 a.m.: During National Nurses Week, Subway customers can do their part to help feed hardworking health care professionals by ordering through Postmates. Kiersten Willis details how you can help.

8:30 a.m.: The coronavirus has imperiled the life of events as well as individuals, and the AJC Decatur Book Festival, the largest independent book festival in the U.S., is trying to adjust. Bo Emerson reports on how the board may change the festival to make sure it's safe.

6:30 a.m.: More than $400 million in federal emergency aid will flow to public schools in Georgia after state education officials accepted money from the CARES Act coronavirus relief fund, Ty Tagami reports.

» 5 ways to celebrate Cinco De Mayo at home

OVERNIGHT

MONDAY’S TOP STORIES

DAILY CORONAVIRUS UPDATES