We're swamped with COVID: 568 new cases. Hospitals' virus patient count highest since mid October. Rome Schools requiring masks next week. 2022 health: $23 million in projects to start the year. More record heat before reality (mid 20s) Monday morning.

Today's first headlines:

• 568 new COVID cases in our area in a day; most yet in the pandemic. 17,934 in Georgia. 2 more deaths Thursday: 1 in Floyd, 1 in Chattooga. 58 virus patients in Rome hospitals Thursday, up 11 (most since Oct. 15).
• Education: Rome City Schools requiring all use masks as students return Monday. No decision on Floyd Schools. Berry wants students, staff to test before return.
• 2022 Health: More than $23 million in projects planned or under way but the big story for the new year remains the most dire: the pandemic.
• Georgia Health News: State's top health headlines in 2021 included the merger mania that swept Rome, Cartersville hospitals.
• Buzz: First Day Hike set for Saturday at Lock and Dam.
• Ware Mechanical Weather: More than an inch of rain Saturday night into Sunday. New Year's Day high: 77; Monday morning low, 27.
• Obituaries: Ms. Devisha N. Boddie, Mrs. Frances Moody Jones, Richard Keith Shipman.
• Dining: Public Health restaurant inspection scores, Tuesday-Saturday.
• Crimewatch brought to you by Big Dan's Car Wash. Updates on arrests.

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Truett's Chick-fil-A Sports Report

• Georgia vs. Michigan, Orange Bowl, 7:30 tonight.
• Alabama vs. Cincinnati, Cotton Bowl, 3:30 this afternoon.
• College bowl updates.
• Falcons home at Buffalo, 1 p.m. Sunday, Fox 5, 92.9 FM and Le Mejor.
• Latest COVID changes.
• Big Blue Classic results.