LaGrange, Ga. –The Georgia Department of Public Health Tuesday said they anticipate more positive cases given the additional testing by Public Health and private providers. This increase will occur irrespective of current control measures being put in place by local and the State governments, likely until past Easter.

This increase in positive cases does not change public health’s recommendation for people to stay home as much as possible and practice social distancing when going out. Please continue follow local shelter in place ordinances to slow the spread of COVID-19. If your county does not have a Local Ordinance in place, please follow CDC guidance.

District 4 Health Director, Dr. Obasanjo said, “The numbers are not as important as our actions to protect ourselves and the vulnerable in our community. Focus on prevention. That’s how we’ll slow – and eventually stop – the spread. You can be socially connected and physically apart. That’s where you need to focus right now. Be smart and stay 6 feet apart.”

All residents 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.

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 disease, 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.