Here’s a roundup of what’s happening so far today, April 8: (Click here for the previous day)
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[SPECIAL SECTION --> Latest on coronavirus in Georgia and around the world]
- Gov. Brian Kemp said he has signed an executive order extending the statewide shelter-in-place order until April 30.
- There are now 10,189 confirmed cases of coronavirus with 369 deaths in Georgia. At least 2,082 cases required hospitalization. The number of cases are up from 7,558 and 294 deaths Monday night. These are up from 9,156 confirmed cases of coronavirus with 348 deaths. There are only four counties in Georgia that don’t have confirmed cases of COVID-19.
- Media mogul Tyler Perry is giving back to the metro Atlanta community once again. A spokesperson for Kroger confirmed Wednesday that Perry paid for the groceries of senior and higher-risk Kroger shoppers in metro Atlanta in full this morning.
- Today, Channel 2′s Tom Regan learned that at least seven other people are infected with coronavirus at PruittHealth Grandview in Athens. That is where we have learned that 10 residents there have died from the virus. Now, the National Guard is being sent in to do a deep clean on the facility.
- Gov. Kemp announced Wednesday the government is extending Georgia’s public health state of emergency through May 13. "This measure will allow us to continue to deploy resources to communities in need, lend support to frontline medical providers, and keep preparing as we brace for potential patient surge in our healthcare facilities. We deeply appreciate the hard work of Georgians who are sheltering in place, using social distancing, and helping us flatten the curve. We are in this fight together,” Kemp said.
- The measure only applies to the state of emergency at this time. The shelter-in-place order is still in effect until April 13.
- With an urgent need to protect the elderly, a metro Atlanta police department is answering the call and diving into the grocery delivery business. Channel 2 Cobb county bureau chief Chris Jose learned that Smyrna police officers are picking up precious supplies for those who need it most.
- The Fulton County Board of Health has closed the following health centers to the public: Adamsville Regional Health Center, Center for Health and Rehabilitation, North Fulton Service Center, Neighborhood Union Health Center and Oak Hill Child, Adolescent and Family Health Center.
- Along with the closures, people who visit the other locations are required to have their temperature checked and wear a mask before they enter the building. Anyone exhibiting coronavirus symptoms or refuses to wear a mask and have their temperature taken will not be allowed into the building.
- Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms has announced new usage guidelines for the Atlanta BeltLine that goes into effect Wednesday morning.
- Emory University is one of many agencies and universities working in a national trial of a vaccine that could potentially prevent the virus. One of those trial participants spoke with Channel 2 anchor Jorge Estevez about what it means to be part of the trial and the fears that come with it.
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