PRESS RELEASE: Heard County Fire and EMS

(Franklin, GA) — Currently there are 42 confirmed cases of the Coronavirus Disease in 11 counties in Georgia.

We have had 1 confirmed death to date. Events have been cancelled, schools closed, and toilet paper in short supply. Unlike past disruptions such as storms or winter weather, the supply chains are still working, and the roads are good. Stores will restock.

Everyone should educate themselves and their families on prevention measures, symptoms, treatments, etc.

One of the main prevention measures is social distancing. Keeping 6’ from others who may be sick and avoiding social gatherings. You don’t have to wait for an event to be cancelled to stay away.

The overall risk of COVID-19 to the general public remains low, although elderly people and individuals with chronic medical conditions may have increased risk for COVID-19.

The best prevention measures for any respiratory virus are:

• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based (60% alcohol or higher) hand sanitizer.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

• Stay home when you are sick.

• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

If you have recently traveled to areas where there are ongoing outbreaks of COVID-19 and develop fever with cough and shortness of breath within 14 days of your travel, or if you have had contact with someone who is suspected to have COVID-19, stay home and call your health care provider or local health department right away.

Be sure to call before going to a doctor’s office, emergency room, or urgent care center and tell them about your recent travel and your symptoms.

Know what the symptoms are and what to do if you are not sure. Utilize telemedicine if available, call before going to your doctor and tell them your symptoms to get some guidance from them.

The emergency room is full of sick people and not always the best place to be. Going by ambulance does not guarantee that you will be seen any quicker either.

You still end up in the waiting room with the other sick people and tie up the limited emergency resources that the county has.

For accurate and reliable information about COVID-19 log on to:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/index.html

Information is also posted on the at www.heardfire.com and the Heard County Fire & Emergency Services facebook page.