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Caption Gov. Kemp, in a Tuesday news conference, said the state has made “great progress’’ on vaccinations, but noted that the supply of vaccine is limited. Credit: Andy Miller/Georgia Health News
Georgia reported 145 COVID-related deaths Tuesday, the state’s highest single-day total recorded since the pandemic began.
More than 9,000 new infections were also reported Tuesday, along with 435 new hospitalizations. The overall number of COVID hospitalizations currently has hit 5,700, continuing its steady, record-breaking climb.
These grim statistics coincide with frustrating waits for Georgia seniors and others who need COVID vaccinations. Georgia had the worst vaccination rate in the nation as of Monday, according to CDC data, though state officials pushed back against the federal agency’s figures.
Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar urged states to "accelerate" their coronavirus vaccine rollout by opening the process up to more people and prioritizing vulnerable populations.
The abrupt cancelation of all State Department travel this week has upended two high-profile trips a precedent-breaking visit to Taiwan by Kelly Craft, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, and a final visit to Europe by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.
Ambassador Craft was due to arrive in Taiwan Wednesday on a three-day visit that included meetings with President Tsai Ing-wen and other senior officials.
As complaints mount about the state’s lagging vaccine rollout, health officials allow any seniors to seek the shot now but not younger people with preexisting conditions. Story from @CalMatters.