SHEILA A. MATHEWS :::
There are now six confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the 12-counties served by District 4 of the Georgia Department of Public Health.
Those six cases include five in Fayette County and one in Coweta County.
The District 4 region includes Butts, Carroll, Coweta, Fayette, Heard, Henry, Lamar, Meriwether, Pike, Spalding, Troup and Upson counties.
“We are working closely with school systems and agencies in our region to provide guidance on COVID-19,” said Hayla Folden, public information officer. “COVID-19 is rapidly evolving and guidance is subject to change. The preparations currently underway in Georgia are based on the best scientific information we have from the CDC.”
Meanwhile, Georgia residents are strongly encouraged to practice prevention methods to control the spread of COVID-19.
One necessary step is the cleaning of frequently touched surfaces.
“That’s actually one of the things we recommend everyone do – it’s not only about not touching your face, but also cleaning frequently touched surfaces. That’s one thing schools (and others) can do is clean frequently those common areas like lunch rooms and other spaces commonly used, to clean them in between use is one of the things we recommend,” Folden said.
She said these cleaning practices can prevent the community spread of many illnesses, not only COVID-19.
“People tend to pick up germs and then touch surfaces and leave them there – door knobs, counter tops, cabinet handles, refrigerator door handles, lunchroom tables, those sort of surfaces – so cleaning them frequently keeps other people from coming along and touching them and picking up germs from those surfaces,” Holden said.
Holden said District 4 Public Health will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation, and work with state and local partners and health care communities to incorporate the most up to date guidance in planning and preparation efforts.
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.
A daily status report page for confirmed COVID-19 cases in Georgia is now available. The report updates every night at midnight to ensure accurate and regular information is provided to the public. The new tool can be found on the DPH website.
For accurate and reliable information about COVID-19 log on to https://dph.georgia.gov/novelcoronavirus or https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.
District 4 Public Health is dedicated to preventing disease, promoting health and protecting our communities against health threats through education, service, advocacy and collaboration.
District 4 Public Health serves people of all classes and economic status within Butts, Carroll, Coweta, Fayette, Heard, Henry, Lamar, Meriwether, Pike, Spalding, Troup and Upson counties. Fees are based on income for those without insurance. For more information about District 4 Public Health, please visit http://www.district4health.org.
