By Associated Press - Sunday, September 6, 2020

ATLANTA (AP) - Georgia on Sunday reached more than 6,000 reported deaths from the coronavirus pandemic as officials urged people to take health precautions over the Labor Day weekend.

The state Department of Public Health on Sunday reported an additional 60 COVID-19 deaths, bringing the total to 6,037 coronavirus-related deaths since the pandemic began. More than 283,000 cases of COVID-19 have been reported in the state since the pandemic began.

Gov. Brian Kemp on Sunday urged people to maintain precautions during the Labor Day weekend. Health officials have expressed concerns that there could be a spike in infections, similar to those that occurred after Memorial Day and Fourth of July celebrations and gatherings.

“This #LaborDayWeekend, I am urging all Georgians to wear a mask, practice social distancing, wash their hands … By staying vigilant in the fight against COVID-19, we can continue to protect people & paychecks in GA!,” Kemp wrote in a tweet.

Kemp did a tour of the state on Friday, urging precautions.

“When you look at the charts, it’s abundantly clear that cases have spiked and hospitalizations have risen and deaths have increased after our holiday weekends,” Kemp told reporters Friday in Savannah. “People forget that we are battling an invisible enemy and unfortunately many let their guard down.”

He said people going shopping or heading to parks and beaches should be mindful to avoid crowds, wear masks when social distancing isn’t possible, wash their hands and follow other guidance from public health officials.

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Follow AP coverage of the virus outbreak at https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak

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