Coronavirus Updates: The Red Cross Is Testing Blood For Virus Antibodies

The Red Cross will be providing antibody testing for a limited period of time. Donors can expect to receive the results within 7 to 10 days.

The Red Cross says this is not a test to see if you currently have COVID-19, the antibodies only show if you had the virus.

It says if you feel ill or have the illness do not give blood or come to their facilities.

This comes as the Georgia Department of Health confirmed 59,078 cases of COVID-19 in the state Tuesday. Hospitalizations rose form 9,322 on Monday to 9,454 on Tuesday. Deaths in the state climbed to 2,529.

City Council OKs Plan That Adds $88 Million To Virus Fight

The Atlanta City Council is moving forward with a plan to add more than $88 million in federal money in the battle against the coronavirus.

City officials approved the move Monday and are outlining ways to spend the money that are aimed at covering the costs caused by the pandemic.

In the meantime, Councilmembers introduced several law enforcement reforms, including banning rubber bullets and tasers and decriminalizing victimless minor offenses.

Those ordinances will be taken up next in committee.

School Officials Give Updates On Remote Learning

At a legislative meeting this week, state education officials updated lawmakers on how schools have dealt with the challenges of remote learning during the coronavirus pandemic.

One of the biggest hurdles, they said, was trying to ensure students had internet access.

Director of Internal Technology Chris Shealy said that was especially challenging in Southwest Georgia where wireless internet is hard to find.

“If you’re not in one of the major cities in that area, for that county, you don’t have access,” Shealy said.

Shealy said students in rural areas are 15 times more likely to lack internet access for remote learning when school buildings are closed.

Most Georgia school districts are still deciding whether to return to in-person classes or continue with remote learning fall semester.

Georgia Gas Prices Climbing Back Up 

Gas prices in Georgia are following the national trend and continuing to increase.

There was talk earlier this year that a gallon of gas could drop below$1. In some places in Georgia that wasn’t too far off.

The oil cartel OPEC had flooded the market with cheap crude and people were staying home because of the coronavirus.

But that changed, OPEC cut supply, the state opened again and prices started to slowly creep up.

Now AAA says the average is at $1.90 per gallon for regular unleaded in Georgia

That’s up 28 cents from just a month ago, but still nearly 60 cents per gallon less than this time last year.

Judicial State Of Emergency Extended By A Month

Georgia’s state of judicial emergency has been extended for another month until July 12. The state of emergency began in March.

Chief Justice Harold Melton is urging courts to try to comply with deadlines as best as possible in the meantime, with the exception of jury trial and grand jury proceedings.

Courts have the discretion to conduct in-person proceedings if they can comply with public health recommendations.

Correction: This report has been corrected to show that the Red Cross antibody test will be available for a limited amount of time, with results in 7-10 days.