North Central Health District

No cases of COVID-19 in Central Georgia at this time

Posted March 6, 2020 by Michael Hokanson

DPH Awaits CDC Confirmation of Positive Test in Floyd County in Northern Georgia

North Central Health District (NCHD) is continually monitoring the expanding COVID-19 situation in Central Georgia. Working with our healthcare partners, NCHD and the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) are coordinating testing for COVID-19. At this time, there are no cases of COVID-19 in NCHD’s 13-county district. Should a case of COVID-19 be confirmed within the district, NCHD will notify the community.

“We understand that this is a rapidly changing situation, giving opportunity for rumors and misinformation to easily spread throughout our community,” said Michael Hokanson, NCHD Public Information Officer. “We continue to ask everyone to look to North Central Health District, the Georgia Department of Public Health, CDC, and the World Health Organization for information on confirmed cases and preventative measures.”

The DPH notified the public that it is awaiting confirmatory testing on a positive test for COVID-19 in a Georgia patient in Floyd County. The initial testing was completed by the Georgia Public Health Laboratory on March 5. 

Per testing protocols established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the test results were sent to the CDC for confirmation. Testing at most state laboratories, including Georgia, is just underway; and due to previous flaws in the test components sent to state laboratories, the CDC requires all presumptive positives for COVID-19 be sent to them for verification at this time. We expect to have results from the CDC in the coming days.

“The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has not confirmed initial test results for this patient. The Georgia Department of Public Health has requested expedited processing for an official determination,” said Governor Kemp. “To prevent the spread of incomplete or inaccurate information, we encourage Georgians to rely on guidance from the CDC, the DPH, and my office. We will continue to provide regular updates to keep the public informed and ensure the health and safety of families across our state.”

DPH is working to identify any contacts who may have been exposed while the individuals were infectious. People who are identified as having been exposed will be contacted directly by a DPH epidemiologist and monitored for fever and respiratory symptoms.

The risk of COVID-19 to the general public remains low at this time. All Georgians should follow basic prevention measures for any respiratory illness, including:

• 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 log on to: dph.georgia.gov/novelcoronavirus or cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/index.html. Find answers to frequently asked questions at cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/index.html. Find local information, including resources and guidance, at NCHD52.org/coronavirus.