ATLANTA – The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) says it’s working closely with the CDC and state partners to prepare for a potential outbreak of coronavirus in the U.S.
The agency sent out a press release saying its goal is to quickly identify cases of the virus and take the appropriate public health action to reduce its spread and protect the general public. DPH says, currently, the overall risk of coronavirus – or COVID-19 – to the general public remains low.
“We urge Georgians to prepare for hurricanes or flooding or take measures to prevent flu, so preparing for an outbreak of COVID-19 is no different,” says DPH commissioner Dr. Kathleen Toomey. “DPH is working to make sure our health systems, first responders and county health departments have the resources they need to respond to a COVID-19 outbreak.”
Public response
Officials are adapting the state’s pandemic flu plan to address a potential COVID-19 outbreak. The plan was developed in partnership with the state’s emergency management agency, department of education and other state agencies. The Department of Public Health has responded to other serious disease outbreaks, including Ebola and Zika virus, and state health officials say those experiences highlight the need to be as prepared as possible.
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DPH Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) is providing CDC information and guidance about coronavirus with all health care and hospital facilities throughout Georgia. State health officials say they’re also holding weekly calls with the entire public health and hospital/health care community to update information and answer questions.
DPH epidemiologists are on-call 24/7 to help health care providers evaluate individuals presenting with symptoms of COVID-19 to ensure that possible cases are managed safely, support laboratory testing, and implement recommendations from the CDC.
In the event of COVID-19 in Georgia, epidemiologists would monitor outbreaks and recommend control strategies, including guidance regarding testing and isolation.
Preventative measures
While there’s still no vaccine or cure for coronavirus, health officials say there are steps that can be taken to help prevent it from spreading.
If necessary, the Department of Public Health may recommend measures such as temporarily closing child care facilities, schools, and colleges, and postponing or canceling mass gatherings. Health officials urge businesses to consider ways to reduce the impact of a potential COVID-19 outbreak including teleworking and cross-training employees on essential job functions.
Health officials urge the public, too, to be proactive by using the same measures used to prevent the spread of any respiratory virus:
- 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.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cough or sneeze into your elbow or use a tissue to cover it, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
Medical professionals continue to urge people to get the flu shot.
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Passengers at Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport are still being screened to identify those who may have been exposed to and are at risk of developing coronavirus.
DPH says the preparations currently underway in Georgia are based on the best scientific information currently available from CDC. The agency says it will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation, and work with state partners and health care communities to incorporate the most up to date guidance in its planning and preparation efforts.
For the latest updates visit https://dph.georgia.gov/novelcoronavirus or CDC online.
