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

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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 Wednesday, April 8, with news and details of COVID-19 in Georgia.

» Complete coverage: Coronavirus

7 p.m.:

Georgia’s confirmed coronavirus cases crossed the 10,000 mark, Chelsea Prince and Zachary Hansen report.

Since noon, the DPH recorded an additional 288 cases and seven deaths, bringing the state’s death toll to 369. The state has amassed 10,189 total cases of COVID-19.

5 p.m.: Gov. Brian Kemp extended Georgia's shelter in place order through the end of April and imposed new restrictions on senior care facilities. Greg Bluestein has the details.

1:30 p.m.: Atlanta media mogul Tyler Perry continues to help the community during this pandemic. As Rodney Ho reports, Perry paid the grocery bills for all shoppers during senior hour Wednesday morning at 44 Kroger supermarkets in metro Atlanta and 29 in his hometown of New Orleans.

1:30 p.m.:

Kroger is making more changes to its stores nationwide amid the coronavirus pandemic, Kiersten Willis reports.

The grocer, which has 50 stores in Georgia will limit the number of customers allowed inside the store at one time. The move is an effort to further encourage physical distancing inside stores.

1 p.m.: Fulton County Board of Health announced the closing of five county health centers to help stop the spread of the coronavirus. Adrianne Murchison tells you which ones.

Noon:

Known coronavirus cases in Georgia are nearing 10,000 as nearly every county in the state has verified infections, Chelsea Prince reports.

The Georgia Department of Public Health has confirmed 9,901 cases as of noon, up more than 700 cases from the night before. The state has also reported 13 more deaths related to COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel virus, bringing the toll to 362.

10 a.m.: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution will offer free online advertising to local restaurants through its "Support Local Restaurants" campaign. Henri Hollis has the details.

7:30 a.m.:

Nearly 90 percent of Atlanta Public Schools students logged into district systems at least once during the first two weeks of distance learning.

But, Vanessa McCray reports, the number of participating students in the youngest grades is much lower.

7:30 a.m.: During these extraordinary times, medical professionals have taken to social media to vent, talk about their anxiety, share heartbreak and to seek advice from colleagues. Helena Oliviero shares their stories.

6:30 a.m.: A new series from the Politically Georgia podcast explores how the coronavirus pandemic is affecting various areas of life in our state. The episodes will be short updates from reporters in the AJC newsroom. Check it out below:

Georgia @GovKemp is expected to extend his emergency powers to combat coronavirus. A look back at how he gained that authority: #gapol https://t.co/4eTy9fwBqy
— Greg Bluestein (@bluestein) April 8, 2020

» Coronavirus in Georgia: stats in real time

» This map tracks the coronavirus globally

OVERNIGHT

Alexis Stevens reported authorities in west Georgia arrested a woman who has been exposed to the coronavirus, but refuses to self-quarantine. Fran Gore had been ordered to isolate herself after her boyfriend tested positive for the virus, the Haralson County Sheriff's Office said.
Zachery Hansen reported Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms issued new hourly guidelines for those using the Beltline. On Tuesday, the usage guidelines were announced and immediately went into effect, according to an Atlanta Beltline press release.
He wasn't local, but he sometimes felt like family. Folk legend and master songwriter John Prine died from complications caused by COVID-19. Our music blogger Melissa Ruggieri writes a tribute.

» Your Money: Resources during the coronavirus pandemic

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