CORONAVIRUS IN GEORGIA: What’s happening today - April 13, 2020

ATLANTA — GEORGIA — Here’s a roundup of what’s happening so far today, April 13: (Click here for the previous day)

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[SPECIAL SECTION --> Latest on coronavirus in Georgia and around the world]

• There are now 13,621 confirmed cases of coronavirus with 480 deaths in Georgia, according to new data released Monday at 7 p.m. At least 2,702 cases have required hospitalization.
• Public health directors across the state have been ordered to expand testing and criteria. Criteria will now include asymptomatic people who have had close contact with those who are infected with COVID-19.
• The state is building an alternative care facility at the GWCC. Several agencies have started to prepare the site for a surge in patients. It will house Georgians with mild to moderate illness and at max capacity can host 400 ICU beds.
• Gov. Brian Kemp says, by the end of the week, bed capacity numbers will be delivered daily to the public.
• The governor has suspended Georgia’s anti-mask law with an executive order.
• The Georgia National Guard has cleaned 229 nursing and assisted living facilities across the state.
• Augusta University is launching a virtual health screening app that is now available across the state.
• Gwinnett, Newton and Rockdale county Health Departments will open a large drive-through COVID-19 test site at the Georgia International Horse Park in Conyers. Up to 300 appointments are being scheduled. An appointment is required but a referral from a doctor is not necessary. To ensure enough test kits are available, the Health Department will only test individuals that have a scheduled appointment. All tests performed are at no cost to the individual. Those interested should call 770-513-5631 to find out if they’re eligible and to schedule a time for their appointment.
• Starting today APS food distribution will only happen on Mondays. Breakfast and lunch are available at 10 sites and there will be morning bus delivery.

• Unemployment guidelines for people who are self-employed, gig workers, 1099 contractors, or non-profit employees have been determined. Workers can now go to the state website to file for unemployment.
• The Kia plant in West Point confirms it will remain closed until April 27. The company stopped production at the end of March for two weeks but a plant spokesman confirmed today they will extend that shutdown.
• Piedmont Atlanta Hospital opening Buckhead expansion several months early. It opens today.
• Pope Francis prays for women, domestic violence victims amid pandemic
• Italy records lowest number of deaths in 3 weeks

One of nation’s largest producers of pork product closes plant due to coronavirus One of nation’s largest producers of pork product closes plant due to coronavirus

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