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

NASHVILLE – The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH), South Health District has confirmed the first COVID-19 related death of a resident of Berrien County. The individual was a 75-year old male who was not hospitalized. The individual did have underlying medical conditions.

“Our hearts and prayers go out to the loved ones of the individuals whose lives have been lost,” said William R. Grow, MD, FACP, district health director. “We continue to be devastated as deaths occur across our district and want to remind everyone just how important it is to take necessary precautions to protect yourself and those you love. Masks, social distancing and good hand hygiene are crucial to helping prevent further illnesses and deaths.”

This brings the total count of confirmed COVID-19 related deaths in South Health District to 148.

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.