40 confirmed COVID-19 cases in South Health District

The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH), South Health District has received confirmation of one new case of COVID-19. The individual is a resident of Tift County. The investigation surrounding this case is ongoing.

At this time, South Health District has 40 confirmed cases of COVID-19 throughout the District which includes ten counties throughout South Georgia (Ben Hill, Berrien, Brooks, Cook, Echols. Irwin, Lanier, Lowndes, Tift and Turner).

Epidemiologists conduct investigations regarding all COVID-19 cases reported in South Health District, however due to the widespread COVID-19 case activity that is occurring across the state, and in an effort to keep case counts as up-to-date as possible, sources of exposure and hospitalization status will no longer be reported via press release unless deemed necessary by public health.

For the most up-to-date case count in Georgia, visit www.dph.ga.gov. This site updates daily at noon and 7 p.m.

All Georgians play a critical role in helping to slow the spread of COVID-19 by adhering to the following guidance:

  • Practice social distancing by putting at least 6 feet between yourself and other people.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Stay home if you are sick.
  • Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water.
  • Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

If you develop signs and symptoms of COVID-19 (e.g., shortness of breath, coughing and fever), and 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 doctor’s office, emergency room, or urgent care center and tell them about your symptoms.

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