SHEILA A. MATHEWS :::
The Department of Public Health District 4 office has released the latest COVID-19 in its 12-county region.
As of 5:30 p.m. March 25, DPH District 4 reported 117 cases in its service area including Butts, Carroll, Coweta, Fayette, Heard, Henry, Lamar, Meriwether, Pike, Spalding, Troup and Upson counties.
This includes ten confirmed cases in Spalding County.
The District 4 complete breakdown includes:
Butts – 3
Carroll – 50
Coweta – 10
Fayette – 12
Heard – 1
Henry – 20
Lamar – 3
Meriwether – 1
Pike – 0
Spalding – 10
Troup – 7
Upson – 0
DPH District 4 Public Information Officer Hayla Folden said a larger batch of results was received today, which accounts for the increase in the number of confirmed cases.
DPH District 4 Medical Director Dr. Obsanjo addressed concerns about the fast-spreading illness.
“We know you’re concerned. So are we. That’s why we are asking you to please protect yourself and our community from this virus. You can do that by observing all social distancing recommendations by the CDC,” he said. “The numbers are not as important as our actions to protect ourselves and the vulnerable in our community. Focus on prevention. That’s how we’ll slow – and eventually stop – the spread. As a community we will overcome this pandemic.”
All Georgians play a critical role in helping to slow the spread of COVID-19 by adhering to the following guidance:
Practice social distancing by putting at least 6 feet between yourself and other people.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Stay home if you are sick.
Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water.
Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
According to federal and state health officials, people who do not have symptoms of COVID-19 do not need to be tested. Additionally, most people who are mildly or moderately ill with cold-like symptoms do not need to be tested. Most people with COVID-19 can safely recover at home with self-isolation and symptomatic treatment. Diagnosis through laboratory testing does not change the care that they would receive.
Older adults and people who have severe underlying medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19 and should always consult their health care provider if they are sick.
The CDC has issued revised guidance on COVID-19 recovery. The most important step in containing COVID-19 is that people who are sick with mild respiratory symptoms – fever and cough – should stay home and isolate themselves from others for at least seven days after their symptoms began or 72 hours after their fever has resolved and symptoms have improved. If you have been exposed to an individual with COVID-19, you must self-quarantine for 14 days and monitor for symptoms.
Correctly washing your hands and maintaining social distance by avoiding large gatherings and close contact with people who are sick are two of the easiest ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
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.
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