First death related to coronavirus reported in Georgia, officials say
A 67-year-old man is Georgia’s first death from COVID-19, Governor Brian Kemp and state health officials announced Thursday afternoon.
The man was hospitalized with new coronavirus at WellStar Kennestone in Marietta since testing positive March 7.
He had underlying health conditions, officials said. Some people, like those ages 60 and older and individuals with chronic medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and lung disease, are at higher risk for getting very sick from COVID-19, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports.
“Our hearts go out to the family and friends of this individual, and the hospital staff who cared for him,” said state Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. Kathleen E. Toomey. “Governor Kemp, DPH, the Coronavirus Task Force, and federal partners continue to work together around the clock to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Georgia.”
According to the state Department of Public Health, 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 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 medical facility and tell them about your recent travel and your symptoms.
Johns Hopkins University, which maintains an interactive map of COVID-19 cases worldwide, reports nearly 128,000 cases have been confirmed as of March 12. Of those, 68,310 people have recovered and 4,718 are dead. As of March 11, there are 12 confirmed and 19 presumptive positive COVID-19 cases in Georgia.
This story was originally published March 12, 2020 at 12:53 PM with the headline "First death related to coronavirus reported in Georgia, officials say."