109 total COVID-19 related deaths reported in South Health District

STATENVILLE – The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH), South Health District has confirmed the first COVID-19 related death of a resident of Echols County. The individual was a 79-year old male who was hospitalized. It is unknown at this time if this individual had any underlying medical conditions.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and loved ones of this individual,” said William R. Grow, MD, FACP, district health director. “With more than 100 deaths across our district, it is extremely important for every person to remember how dangerous this virus is. We continue to urge everyone to wear masks, practice social distancing and wash your hands regularly. If we all take these small steps we can slow the spread of COVID-19. ”

This brings the total count of confirmed COVID-19 related deaths in South Health District to 109.

To receive the most recent total case counts for any county in Georgia, please refer to the Georgia Department of Public Health’s Daily Status Update at https://dph.georgia.gov/covid-19-daily-status-report.

The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) is calling on all Georgians to do their part to stop further spread of this deadly virus.

Practice social distancing – keep at least 6 feet between yourself and other people.

Wash your hands – use soap and water and scrub for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer (60% alcohol) if soap and water aren’t readily available.

Wear a mask – The CDC recommends the use of face masks or simple cloth face coverings to help slow the spread of COVID-19, especially where social distancing is difficult to maintain (grocery stores, pharmacies, etc.)

Free COVID-19 testing is available in all 10 counties across the Georgia Department of Public Health’s South Health District. The South Health District includes Ben Hill, Berrien, Brooks, Cook, Echols, Irwin, Lanier, Lowndes, Tift and Turner Counties. 

Anyone interested in being tested for COVID-19 can call their local health department or the South Health District COVID-19 Hotline to be screened and to schedule their appointment. 

For accurate and reliable information about COVID-19 visit southhealthdistrict.com/covid19, dph.georgia.gov/novelcoronavirus or cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.