Spalding County has first confirmed case of COVID-19

STAFF REPORT :::

The Georgia Department of Public Health is reporting Spalding County now has its first confirmed case of COVID-19.

There are 26 confirmed cases in Georgia Department of Public Health District 4, which includes Butts, Carroll, Coweta, Fayette, Heard, Henry, Lamar, Meriwether, Pike, Spalding, Troup and Upson counties.

Health officials are taking measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and protect the general public by identifying and contacting individuals who may have had contact with the Spalding County resident who tested positive.

A daily status report page for confirmed COVID-19 cases in Georgia is available online. The report updates each day at noon to ensure accurate and regular information is provided to the public. The new tool can be found on the Georgia Department of Public Health website.

The overall risk of COVID-19 to the general public remains low, although elderly people and individuals with chronic medical conditions may have increased risk for COVID-19. The best prevention measures for any respiratory virus are:

Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Stay home when you are sick.

Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

If you have recently traveled to areas where there are ongoing outbreaks of COVID-19 and develop fever with cough and shortness of breath within 14 days of your travel, or if you have had contact with someone who is suspected to have COVID-19, stay home and call your health care provider or local health department right away. Be sure to call before going to a doctor’s office, emergency room, or urgent care center and tell them about your recent travel and your symptoms.

For accurate and reliable information about COVID-19, please visit https://dph.georgia.gov/novelcoronavirus or https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019- ncov/index.html.