Georgia’s coronavirus death toll passes 3,000

ATLANTA (AP) — Three thousand and one. That’s the number of people in Georgia who’ve died after contracting the coronavirus, according to data released Sunday by the state Department of Public Health.

Confirmed cases and hospitalizations have been rising sharply in the state over the past few weeks.

Republican Gov. Brian Kemp has been locked in a battle with local officials over whether they have the power to implement virus restrictions that go beyond his orders.

Kemp says no, but local governments across the state are doing it anyway, with several cities including Atlanta implementing mask requirements and other restrictions.