COVID-19: Information from Cobb & Douglas

About

On March 2, 2020, the first cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) were identified in the state of Georgia. Both of these cases are thought to be travel related and there is still not evidence of community spread.

Tips

Advice to the general public is the same as every cold and flu season:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash
• If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty
• Stay home when you are sick
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing; going to the bathroom; and before eating or preparing food

The Center of Disease Control (CDC) continues to study the spread and effects of the novel coronavirus across the United States. We now know from recent studies that a significant portion of individuals with coronavirus lack symptoms ("asymptomatic") and that even those who eventually develop symptoms ("pre-symptomatic") can transmit the virus to others before showing symptoms. 

This means that the virus can spread between people interacting in close proximity - for example, speaking, coughing, or sneezing - even if those people are not exhibiting symptoms. In light of this new evidence, CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g, grocery stores and pharmacies) especially in areas of significant community-based transmission.

COVID-19 Testing

At this time, all testing for coronavirus disease is being handled by the State of Georgia. Call your healthcare professional IF you feel sick with fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, AND have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19, or if you live in or have recently traveled from an area with ongoing spread of COVID-19.

Symptoms of COVID-19

COVID-19 spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Symptoms appear within two to 14 days after exposure and include:

• Cough
• Fever
• A general feeling of being unwell
• Headache
• Runny nose
• Shortness of breath

Helpful Links

FAQs: Review Frequently Asked Questions regarding COVID-19.

Preparedness: Visit Cobb and Douglas Public Health, for preparedness tips for both the workplace and residents of the community. Another good resource is the Center for Disease Control website.

Travel: For travel information, please visit the CDC Travel Page.