Georgia cases increase 794 in a day; top 17,000 in state

COVID-19 now blamed for 668 deaths in Georgia

The novel coronavirus is responsible for 668 deaths in the state as the total number of confirmed cases reached 17,432 Friday evening, an increase of 794 from Thursday night, according to data from the Georgia Department of Public Health.

The data shows that about 19% of those with confirmed cases, 3,395, are hospitalized for treatment of the virus. Fulton County, where 74 people have died, still has the most cases -- 2,037. Dougherty County, where there are 1,385 confirmed cases, still has the highest death toll -- 91.

In Southeast Georgia there were no new reported deaths on Friday morning. Ware County has had five deaths and the most cases -- 77 -- and neighboring Pierce County has had two deaths and 49 cases. Glynn County has 46 cases but no deaths, Brantley has one death and 17 cases, Camden has 27 cases and no deaths and Charlton County has five cases and no deaths.