From Coastal Health District

EFFINGHAM COUNTY -- An Effingham County resident has tested positive for COVID-19. The individual is currently hospitalized and the source of exposure is unknown. Coastal Health District epidemiologists are gathering more information which can be used to notify others who may have had close contact with the individual. This is the third resident of the Coastal Health District to test positive for COVID-19 .

We understand that people want to be tested but the reality is that we do not yet have the capacity for widespread community testing or screening. Fortunately, most people who are mildly or moderately ill can safely recover at home while self-isolating and treating symptoms.

Testing must be prioritized, as testing capacity and medical supplies are limited. Priority individuals include:

· persons 65 and older,

· those with chronic, underlying health conditions,

· those who live in a long-term care facility like an assisted living facility or nursing home

· those serving on the front lines as a healthcare worker, first responder, long-term care facility staffer, or law enforcement officer.

Please continue to remain vigilant and practice good health hygiene including washing hands regularly and thoroughly with soap and water (if you don’t have soap, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol), staying home and away from others if you are sick, regularly cleaning common surfaces such as doorknobs, countertops, computer keyboards, and light switches, and covering your cough with a tissue and throw the tissue away or cough into the crook of your elbow.

For accurate information about COVID-19 in our area, visit the Georgia Department of Public Health at dph.ga.gov, or the Coastal Health District at GaCHD.org.