ATLANTA -- Gov. Brian P. Kemp on Monday reported the lowest number of ventilators in use and COVID-19 positive patients hospitalized in Georgia since hospitals began submitting data to the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA) on April 8.

As of Monday, there are 881 ventilators in use, 1,134 COVID-19 positive patients hospitalized statewide  and 1,987 critical care hospital beds in use across Georgia. On Friday, there were 989 ventilators in use, 1,483 COVID-19 positive patients hospitalized statewide, and 2,119 critical care hospital beds in use across Georgia.

"This data shows that we are headed in the right direction in our battle with COVID-19," said Kemp. "Every day, Georgians are recovering from the virus, freeing up hospital space as we continue to safely reopen our state and ramp up testing and contact tracing. This challenge is far from over. We are not out of the woods yet, so we must remain vigilant in following proper protocols from public health officials. The people of Georgia can rest assured that we are making progress, and together, we will win this fight."