A relative of Emma, a 12-year-old girl diagnosed with the coronavirus at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite, said Tuesday the girl's condition is improving.

Emma tested positive for COVID-19 late Friday night and required breathing assistance at the Sandy Springs hospital.

Justin Anthony, a cousin of the girl, said Tuesday afternoon Emma was “slowly waking up out of sedation and is responding well to her dad and mom.”

» COMPLETE COVERAGE: Coronavirus in Georgia

“The X-ray(s) of her lungs today are showing good improvement,” Anthony said in a text message to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He provided no additional details.

The virus tends to be mild in kids. But in Emma’s case, she went to the hospital multiple times with a persistent fever and on March 15 was admitted with what was believed to be pneumonia. She was tested for COVID-19 after her condition worsened.

Anthony previously said Emma’s family was unaware of any pre-existing medical conditions.

According to data from the state Department of Public Health, only 1 percent of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state — or approximately 10 — have been documented in people 17 and younger.

The AJC is not publishing Emma’s last name to protect her privacy.

About the Author

Keep Reading

State Election Board Vice Chair Janice Johnston speaks during an election board meeting at the Capitol in Atlanta on Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025. (Arvin Temkar / AJC)

Credit: Arvin Temkar/AJC

Featured

Waymo autonomous vehicles operate across 65 square miles inside I-285 and have been involved in six incidents with Atlanta Public School buses since May. Waymo issued a recall because of their cars briefly stopping or slowing down before continuing forward while a bus was stopped and flashing its lights. (Courtesy of Atlanta Public Schools)

Credit: Courtesy of Atlanta Public Schools