ATLANTA — The state of Georgia reported over 2,500 new COVID-19 cases this week alone , a new record since the start of the pandemic.

The state Department of Public Health reported these new cases and two more deaths from the disease. Georgia has reported more than 1,700 cases in each of the past five days. Saturday set a previous record at nearly 2,000 cases.

Demand for coronavirus testing has also increased in recent days as cases in the metro area continue to climb, local health departments said.