The number of known coronavirus infections in Georgia has reached more than 5,300 just a month after officials confirmed the state's first cases. The state Department of Public Health reported Thursday that at least 163 deaths have been linked to the new virus, which has hospitalized more than 1,000 people statewide.
In an effort to curb new infections, Gov. Brian Kemp was preparing Thursday to issue new restrictions ordering Georgia residents to shelter at home whenever possible. The Republican governor had resisted imposing such restrictions, preferring to leave the decision to local governments. He relented under pressure from mayors and health officials as infections and deaths in the state continued to climb.
