LAST REVIEWED MAR. 17, 2022 4:21 P.M. EST
Overview
Georgia has administered more than 16.99 million COVID-19 tests. There have been 1,921,472 cases of COVID-19 in Georgia and there is currently a 12.4% positive rate. At least 30,630 people have died across the state. The rolling 7-day average of new cases is 550.7. The rolling 7-day average is 3.4% positive.
Vaccines
The COVID-19 vaccine arrived in metro Atlanta with the first doses administered Dec. 16. The state said as of Feb. 25, it was doing away with the phase terminology. Vaccines for people 65 and up began Jan. 11. On March 25, vaccines were made available for all Georgians over the age of 16. On May 10, the FDA authorized the vaccine for anyone 12 and over.
Pfizer booster shots were made available for people 65 and up, people with underlying health conditions and frontline workers starting Sept. 27. Boosters are now available for anyone 18 and older.
On Nov. 3, the Pfizer vaccine was made available for children 5 and older.
Restrictions
On June 30, the state lifted all of its emergency declarations and orders related to COVID-19.
How to help
There are multiple ways to help, including food drives, supply drives and by donating to a local charity. Here’s a list of ways to help. The American Red Cross also has a severe blood shortage.
How to get help
The Atlanta Community Food Bank is working to help families in need. They have a map of places you can visit to get help. Unemployment resources are available here.
Public Transport
The CDC still says people need to wear a mask when using mass transit.
MARTA is taking extra precautions to protect riders and requiring masks. MARTA continues to thoroughly clean all buses, trains, rail stations, and facilities, with a focus on high touch areas such as handrails, elevator buttons, Breeze machines, and restrooms. They have also started mid-day end of line cleaning of buses while parked in bus bays at targeted rail stations. All MARTA employees have been instructed how to best protect themselves and others against the potential transmission of the virus.
If you’re flying, TSA requires individuals to wear a mask at airport screening checkpoints and throughout the commercial and public transportation systems. This will remain effective until at least Sept. 13, 2021.
COVID-19 testing
The Georgia Department of Health has a large number of COVID-19 testing sites. Testing is available to all residents at this time.
More COVID-19 news
Have questions about the spread of coronavirus? We have an entire section dedicated to coverage of the outbreak. CLICK HERE for more.
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