Emergency trailers installed at new coronavirus isolation site in Georgia state park
Georgia authorities have started constructing an isolation site in a state park for people who may have been exposed to coronavirus, also known as COVID-19.
According to a release from Gov. Brian Kemp’s office, the Departments of Public Health, Public Safety and Natural Resources identified an area in Hard Labor Creek State Park in Morgan County as a location for the “isolation and monitoring of patients.” No patients are currently scheduled to be transported to the park, and the governor’s office said the site was identified “out of an abundance of caution.”
“Currently, the Governor’s Office and state officials are working together to prepare the site for the placement of patients,” according to the release. “Officials have already delivered and installed seven emergency trailers at the park, and related materials are en route for future use. Once established, the Department of Public Safety will provide security for this location.”
Access to that portion of the state park will be restricted. Emergency trailers and operations will be separated from the rest of the park, officials said.
The Department of Public Health would provide medical care for patients. More details will be released at a 4:15 p.m. press conference.
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREWhat you should know about the coronavirus
The coronavirus is spreading in the United States. Officials are urging people to take precautions to avoid getting sick, and to avoid spreading the disease if they do contract it.
Click the drop-down icon on this card for more on the virus and what you should do to keep yourself and those around you healthy.
What is coronavirus?
Coronavirus is an infection of the respiratory system similar to the flu. Coronaviruses are a class of viruses that regularly cause illnesses among adults and children, but this outbreak has spawned a new disease called COVID-19, a particularly harsh respiratory condition that can lead to death.
Health officials believe COVID-19 spread from animals to humans somewhere in China. It spreads among humans by physical person-to-person contact, including via coughs. That’s why health officials urge sick individuals to avoid contact with other people.
For more information, visit the website for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms are similar to the flu and include fever, coughing and shortness of breath.
How can I stop the spread of the coronavirus?
Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, and cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
If you develop symptoms similar to the coronavirus, you should seek medical attention. Stay home from work or school and avoid contact with others. It can take up to 14 days after coming into contact with the virus to develop symptoms.
COVID-19 is a new condition and there’s much about the disease we still don’t understand. For now, taking precautions is the best way to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
