New cases explode in NW Georgia: 789 in a day (280 in Floyd, 249 in Bartow). 3 more Floyd residents die from COVID, 2 from Bartow. 168 virus patients in Rome hospitals, down 4. Free COVID-19 test site at Coosa Valley Fairgrounds closed Saturday because of the cold.

FRIDAY SUMMARY

• 3 Floyd residents, 2 Bartow residents the latest Northwest Georgians to die from COVID. 1 probable death in Floyd, Bartow as well posted Friday.
• 789 new reports in 24 hours including 280 in Floyd and 249 in Bartow. That’s among the most we’ve seen in the pandemic.
• 168 COVID patients in Rome’s hospitals, down 4 from Thursday. Details below.
• The free, drive-up, COVID-19 test site at Coosa Valley Fairgrounds will not open Saturday because  of the extreme cold weather forecast for the area. It will reopen at 10 a.m. Monday.

• 15,920 new cases in Georgia.
• 135 more deaths statewide.
• Source: Georgia Department of Public Health.
• Free COVID-19 vaccinations are available daily for eligible individuals at health departments: Bartow (770) 382-1920 / Chattooga (706) 857-3471 / Floyd  (706) 295-6123 / Gordon (706) 624-1444 / Polk  (770) 749-2270
• Free COVID testing in Northwest Georgia: LakePoint Sports Complex, Emerson: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Coosa Valley Fairgrounds: Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Atrium Health Floyd had 88 patients, down 4. Also: 1 patient awaiting test results.
• AdventHealth Redmond had 80 patients, no change.
• The record is 221 patients set on Sept. 10, 2021.