Coronavirus Updates: Georgia Is Expanding Testing, But You Still Need A Referral
A person wearing a mask rolls down the window to ask about a COVID-19 testing site on Georgia Tech’s campus in Atlanta.
Brynn Anderson / Associated Press
Coronavirus deaths have topped 500 in Georgia, and public health officials reported over 15,000 cumulative infections. Nearly 20% of people testing positive for the virus have been hospitalized.
Meanwhile, the state is expanding testing capacity at the state’s drive-thru sites and eligibility requirements. Now, all those who are symptomatic can be tested, though a referral will still be needed, according to the Georgia Department of Health. Referrals can be secured not just through health care providers, but also from local health departments.
Priority for testing will still go to health care workers, first responders and law enforcement officers as well as residents and staff of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities, whether they have symptoms or not, the department said in a news release.
Gov. Brian Kemp and the state health agency’s commissioner, Dr. Kathleen Toomey, have both openly expressed frustration at the limited availability of testing in Georgia. As of Wednesday, just over 4,000 tests for the disease had been processed by state labs, compared with nearly 60,000 Georgia tests handled by commercial labs.
Without more widespread testing, it’s impossible for health officials to accurately track the spread of the virus.
Hartsfield-Jackson Getting $338 million In Federal Relief Funds
Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson international airport is set to receive $338 million in federal aid to help the airport keep workers paid and maintain operations.
It’s part of a more than $400 million package that will go to Georgia airports under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act approved by Congress last month.
U.S. Senators David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler made the announcement Tuesday.
Delta officials told WABE they’ve seen a dramatic drop in flight traffic, but still screen up to 30,000 passengers a day.
Atlanta Mayor: City Will Need To Make Cuts
The coronavirus pandemic will have an impact on city budgets across the country.
Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms updated the City Council on plans to stave off a possible shortfall.
The Mayor said the city needs to make cuts, and is evaluating measures such as suspending hiring of non-essential workers.
“We are lowering our contract spending,” she said. “Also eliminating all non-essential travel and training and anticipate lower fuel bills due to the city’s teleworking policy.”
The mayor said she’s also looking into federal stimulus funding the city may be eligible for.
Nonprofits Are Receiving Relief Funds
COVID-19 relief grants from the Community Foundation and the United Way of Atlanta have been handed out to nonprofits across the city.
The Jewish Family and Care Services received $200,000. CEO Terri Bonoff said the money will help in many areas of community care.
“We’re going to use this money where it is needed most,” Bonoff said. “We’re providing increase support for mental health. Giving out way more food in our food pantry than we’ve ever done before. And we’re supporting the needs for emergency financial assistance. Including adding case managers.”
Action Ministries and the Atlanta Children’s Shelter are among other nonprofits that also received grants.
Georgia University System Isn’t Raising Tuition
The University System of Georgia says it will not increase tuition for its 330,000 students next year, and will also give them a break on costs for online summer classes.
The Board of Regents voted Tuesday to stop increases across its 26 institutions.
Chancellor Steve Wrigley told regents the system has lost about $200 million so far because of the coronavirus.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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