Greene County Message on COVID-19

Sources of Information

With all of the media coverage, social media posts, and daily conversations focusing on COVID-19, it is hard to tell fact from fiction. The best way to stay informed with up-to-date and accurate information is to visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website and the Georgia Department of Public Health website. Governor Brian Kemp and the Georgia Department of Public Health has announced a daily status report page that will be updated at noon everyday with the most current number of cases reported in Georgia and their location by county.

Symptoms

COVID-19 is an emerging respiratory disease and there is more to learn about its transmission, clinical course, and populations at increased risk of disease and complications. Everyone can do his or her part to help plan, prepare, and respond to this emerging public health threat. Symptoms of COVID-19 may resemble the common cold or seasonal flu, which is a far greater risk this time of year. Symptoms include fever, cough and shortness of breath and may appear 2-14 days after exposure. 

What to Do if You Suspect COVID-19

If you think that you, or a family member, has COVID-19 take the following steps.

  1. Call your healthcare provider before going into the office to let them know you are experiencing symptoms consistent with COVID-19. They will decide whether you need to be tested.
  2. Tell the doctor about your recent travel, exposure to others that tested positive for COVID-19 and your symptoms.
  3. Your healthcare provider will tell you how to get care without exposing others.
  4. Stay home and avoid contact with others.
  5. If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19 get medical attention immediately. Emergency warning signs include:
    • Bluish lips or face
    • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
    • New confusion
    • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest

Keep in mind that there is no treatment for COVID-19 and people who are mildly ill may be able to isolate and care for themselves at home. Older adults and people who have severe underlying chronic medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19 illness.

If You Are Sick

If you are sick, take necessary precautions to protect others and stop the spread of COVID-19.

  1. Most importantly, stay home if you are sick.
  2. Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue and throw the used tissue in the trash. Immediately wash your hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer.
  3. Wear a facemask if you are sick.

We will never know if we did too much to curb the spread of COVID-19, but it will be abundantly evident if we did too little.

Prevention

The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to the virus.

  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • The CDC in accordance with its guidance for large events and mass gatherings, recommends that for the next 8 weeks, organizers (whether groups or individuals) cancel or postpone in-person events that consist of 50 people or more throughout the United States.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces. This includes:
    • Countertops
    • Desks
    • Doorknobs
    • Faucets
    • Handles
    • Keyboards
    • Light Switches
    • Phones
    • Sinks
    • Tables
    • Toilets
  • Clean your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. 
  • If you are not sick, you do not need to wear a facemask unless you are caring for someone who is sick. Facemasks are in short supply and should be saved for caregivers.
  • Maintain a distance of more than 6 feet between other people.
  • Please check the website or call any senior living center or hospital before attempting to visit residents or patients. Most facilities have implemented visitation restrictions to protect the health of their residents and patients. Please be understanding. These are the people at the highest risk of serious complications and/or death from the virus.