First COVID-19 death in Heard County

(Franklin, GA) — The one and only Heard County patient confirmed to have the COVID-19 virus has died.

A media representative with the Governor’s office confirmed the death to The Heard Citizen Tuesday afternoon.

As of this afternoon, the patient was the only officially confirmed case in Heard County according to the Department of Health.

The details of the deceased patient’s age and whether he or she may have had any underlying health conditions is not being made available to the public.

Health department officials have reported that family members and others who had contact with the patient have been notified.

Across Georgia, as of 5:30 PM today, there have been 32 reported deaths and 1026 total cases reported by the Georgia Department of Health.

The Georgia Department of Public Health says there will continue to be more positive cases with additional testing taking place, and confirmation of cases does not change public health recommendations for all residents.

All Georgians play a critical role in helping to slow the spread of COVID-19 by adhering to the following guidance:

• Practice social distancing by putting at least 6 feet between yourself and other people.

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

• Stay home if you are sick.

• Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water.

• Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.

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

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

Health officials are taking measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and protect the general public by identifying and contacting the individuals who may have had contact with the Troup County residents who tested positive.

The household members of the positive cases are self- quarantined and in contact with Health officials for further instructions.

According to federal and state health officials, people who do not have symptoms of COVID-19 do not need to be tested. Additionally, most people who are mildly or moderately ill with “cold-like” symptoms do not need to be tested.

The majority of people with COVID-19 can safely recover at home with self-isolation and symptomatic treatment.

Diagnosis through laboratory testing does not change the care that they would receive.

Older adults and people who have severe underlying medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19 and should always consult their healthcare provider if they are sick.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued revised guidance on COVID-19 recovery. 

The most important step in containing COVID-19 is that people who are sick with mild respiratory symptoms – fever and cough – should stay home and isolate themselves from others for at least seven days after their symptoms began or 72 hours after their fever has resolved and symptoms have improved.

If you have been exposed to an individual with COVID-19, you must self-quarantine for 14 days and monitor for symptoms.

Correctly washing your hands and maintaining social distance by avoiding large gatherings and close contact with people who are sick are two of the easiest ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Stay tuned to HeardCitizen.com for further COVID-19 related updates as they become available.