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The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in White County has risen to four.
The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in White County has risen to four.
The information came in the 7 p.m. update today, Saturday, March 4, on the Georgia Department of Public Health's website. With this update, there are now 6,383 confirmed cases in Georgia, 1,266 people hospitalized and 208 deaths. The first confirmed case in White County was reported by DPH on Wednesday, March 25. On Tuesday, March 31, the number had risen to three confirmed cases in White County.
A press release from Gov. Brian Kemp and the Georgia Hospital Association on March 11 about patient privacy stated:
"While we continue to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, we are asking all Georgians to continue to rely on the information coming from the Governor's Office, the Georgia Department of Public Health, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We will continue to operate with transparency and provide the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding the spread of the virus to ensure that Georgia families have the information they need to remain safe and healthy.
"As we do so, we ask all members of the public and the media to remain patient and respect the privacy of those who have been hospitalized or are in isolation due to exposure to COVID-19. It's important to note that, under penalty of law, hospitals and other healthcare providers are not allowed to share private health information. Respecting these legal guidelines is crucial to streamlining healthcare operations and ensuring that care for patients continues without interruption. We are in this fight together, and with cooperation from all stakeholders, we will continue to put the health and safety of Georgians first."
White County is one of many in the state to report cases, including Lumpkin, Habersham, Hall, Dawson, Stephens, Hart, Rabun, Elbert and Franklin counties in northeast Georgia. The Georgia Department of Public Health puts out updates twice a day, at noon and 7 p.m. The confirmed patients are listed based on their residence and DPH does not provide any additional information.
Northeast Georgia Health System has put out the following tips to help prevent COVID-19:
- Wash your hands often with soap and 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.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer after touching tissues.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces to help prevent the spread of germs
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are ill.
Continuing coverage of the COVID-19 can be found on whitecountnews.net and in the latest edition of the White County News.