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Page updated 03-03-2020 12:00 PM EST
Two individuals from Fulton County have tested positive for COVID-19. At this point there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Gwinnett, Newton or Rockdale counties nor are there any individuals under quarantine.
CDC and DPH continue to stress that the risk to the general public is low and encourage individuals to wash hands frequently, cover their coughs and sneezes, and stay home when ill.
If you or anyone in your organization suspect an individual may have been exposed to COVID-19, immediately mask and isolate the patient and call 1-866-PUB-HLTH to speak with an epidemiologist to receive further instruction.
What is COVID-19?
COVID-19, also known as coronavirus disease 2019, is a new virus that causes fever, cough, and shortness of breath.
There are many different types of coronaviruses that are known to cause human illness.
While initial COVID-19 illnesses were thought to be related to contact with infected animals, this virus is able to be passed person-to-person through respiratory droplets when an ill individual coughs or sneezes. While most individuals infected with COVID-19 appear to have mild illness, the virus can cause severe illness including pneumonia. The virus can also survive for a limited time on commonly touched surfaces. At this point, there is no vaccine to prevent COVID-19.
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
How is COVID-19 spread?
COVID-19 is spread through respiratory droplets when an ill individual coughs or sneezes.
What should I do?
Take simple steps to prevent respiratory illness and its spread.
Avoid contact with people who have respiratory illness.
Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
Cover your cough or sneeze with your elbow or arm.
Wear disposable gloves and a mask IF you are caring for a person that is ill or came in contact with an individual’s bodily fluids or secretions. Remove your mask and gloves carefully and immediately wash your hands.
Regularly clean commonly touched surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, phones, toilets, etc. with a diluted bleach solution or use a cleaner with a label that claims it can kill human coronaviruses. Make sure to follow the instructions on the label.
To create a bleach solution, use 1 tablespoon bleach to 4 cups of water. Make fresh daily.
List of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency approved cleaning products that kill coronavirus
Avoid the following
Avoid going out in public when you are ill. Stay home when you are sick. Isolating yourself while you are ill can help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and more common illnesses, like influenza.
Avoid Facemasks. Do not wear face masks, in general. The health department does not recommend the general public use masks to prevent the spread of illnesses unless caring for or cleaning up after someone who is ill.
Avoid traveling to areas of the world with on-going COVID-19 transmission. You can get updated travel restrictions at www.cdc.gov/travel/notices.
If you traveled to an area of the world with ongoing COVID-19 transmission or have been in contact with an individual with COVID-19, and develop a fever, shortness of breath and a cough, please contact your medical provider for instructions. If COVID-19 illness is suspected, medical providers should call 1-866-PUB-HLTH for consultation and further instructions.
Additional information about what to do when you are sick can be found at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/steps-when-sick.html.
For general information about COVID-19, visit the following websites:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
https://dph.georgia.gov/novelcoronavirus
For information on Preventing COVID-19 Spread in Communities visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/index.html.
You will find COVID-19 prevention information from the CDC for the following areas:
- Home
- At childcare and K-12 schools
- At colleges and universities
- At work
- Community- and Faith-based organizations
- Large community events/mass gatherings
- Healthcare settings
- First responders
Download a copy of this information for your home or office. English and Spanish included.
If you have any questions about COVID-19, please call 1-866-PUB-HLTH (1-866-782-4584) to speak with an epidemiologist.