COVID-19

The Republican majority leader of Georgia’s state Senate has tested positive for COVID-19 during mandatory testing at the state Capitol. Sen. Mike Dugan's district includes Carroll, Douglas and Paulding counties.

Georgia expanded the list of those who qualify for COVID-19 vaccinations beginning this week.

As a result of that expansion people age 65 and older, along with first responders-including law enforcement-are eligible to receive the vaccine.

In order to meet the increased demand, the Northeast Health District is opening an appointment based, combination COVID-19 testing and vaccination drive-through in Athens. The new site is located at 355 Oneta Street. Former sites on Mitchell Bridge Road and the Winterville Center for Community and Culture are now closed.

Piedmont Healthcare began vaccinating patients 65 older against COVID-19 Monday. According to a statement from Piedmont, the supply is limited and system hospitals will contact patients to schedule appointments. Piedmont is operating seven dedicated vaccination clinics throughout the communities it serves. Those clinics are not located in any of the system’s medical facilities.  

More than half the funds received by Georgia companies as part of a federal loan program meant to support small businesses during the pandemic went to large companies that received loans of $3 million or more, according to newly released data from the U.S. Small Business Administration.