Georgia Public Broadcasting

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp declared a public health state of emergency in a press conference this morning.

As of Saturday morning, there are 64 cases of COVID-19 in Georgia which is the largest increase in a 24-hour period to date, Kemp said.

There were 42 coronavirus cases reported in Georgia as of Friday afternoon, according to CNN Health’s tally of US cases that are detected and tested in the United States through US public health systems

The state is working on establishing independent test sites in every major region of Georgia, locations of which will be announced early next week, Kemp said. The state has appropriated $100 million in emergency funding to address the spread of coronavirus in Georgia.

Georgia is currently processing 100 specimens per day and by the end of the week the state plans on doubling specimen processing to 200 per day with the addition of new equipment and staffing.

The governor has fully activated the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency state operation center in response to coronavirus.