The number of confirmed cases of coronavirus in Georgia jumped to 555 as of 7:00 Saturday night, and the number in Hall County is now nine - and cases are now being reported in Dawson and Lumpkin counties.
That compares to 507 statewide at noon Saturday and six in Hall County.
The number of virus-related deaths in the state is now 20; it was 14 at noon.
In addition to Hall, other Northeast Georgia counties with confirmed cases and the number of them are Gwinnett 23; Forsyth 4; Pickens 2; Barrow 1; Dawson 1; and, Lumpkin 1.
You'll find a county-by-county breakdown for the entire state at this Website along with other information about the impact on Georgia.
The new deaths reported Saturday evening by the Georgia Department of Public Health marked a 42% increase from the noontime total. More than one-third of Georgia's 159 counties have reported at least one confirmed case.
Metro Atlanta still accounts for the largest overall number of cases, with Fulton County reporting more than 90 infections and two deaths from the new virus. But two counties with a fraction of Atlanta's population are among those hit the hardest.
In southwest Georgia, Albany and surrounding Dougherty County have ordered residents to stay home unless they're going to work, buying food, seeking medical care or exercising. The county has reported six deaths and more than 45 cases. Infections in Bartow County northwest of Atlanta have surpassed 55, with one death.
Figures provided by state health officials show those who have died were between the ages of 42 and 85. More than three-fourths had underlying medical conditions.
Despite the growing outbreak, Georgia Republicans held county conventions across the state Saturday for meetings that are part of the process for electing delegates to the Republican National Convention, where President Donald Trump is expected to be nominated later this year. GOP leaders in Georgia had discouraged attendance beyond the minimum number of people required.
“The meetings were safely and quickly held, conducting the minimum necessary legal business,” Georgia GOP Chairman David Shafer said in a text message Saturday. “They were lightly attended.”
(The Associated Press contributed to this story.)
