COVID-19 Impact on GeorgiaLatest News & Information

About COVID-19 in Georgia

There is community spread of COVID-19 in all of Georgia’s 159 counties.

This infectious disease is caused by a newly identified coronavirus, called SARS-CoV-2. Like the flu, it spreads from person to person through touching or close personal contact. It can also spread through the air when infected people cough or sneeze and possibly when they breathe or speak. You can also become infected if you touch a contaminated surface then touch your mouth, nose or eyes.

How to “flatten the curve”

As many businesses in Georgia reopen, it’s essential for every Georgian to continue taking precautions to protect their health and the health of their neighbors.

One of the steps that people can take to help curb the spread of COVID-19 is to practice social distancing, or “remaining out of congregate settings, avoiding mass gatherings, and maintaining distance (approximately 6 feet) from others when possible,” according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

These steps should be taken along with other preventive measures, including:

• Frequent hand washing
• Not touching your face with unwashed hands
• Staying home when sick
• Avoiding exposure to people who may be sick
• Covering coughs and sneezes

On May 1, 2020, Governor Brian Kemp lifted the shelter-in-place order for most Georgians, allowing many non-essential businesses to open and residents to leave their homes more freely. Georgia residents should still stay at home whenever possible.

As part of the Governor’s Executive Order, business owners “must continue to operate with strict social distancing and sanitation rules to keep customers and employees safe.”

Continue to monitor for symptoms

It’s important to remain alert for signs of illness, including dry or productive cough, fatigue, loss of sense of smell, shortness of breath, muscle and joint pain or chills.

Symptoms of COVID-19 may appear anywhere from 2 to 14 days after exposure to the novel coronavirus, according to the CDC. The World Health Organization has reported that in some cases, the incubation period may be even longer than 14 days.

Some people have tested positive for COVID-19 up to 3 days before they developed symptoms, suggesting that people can be infectious and shed the virus before they realize they are sick.

All Georgians should take precautions as if they are carriers of the new coronavirus.

Testing for COVID-19

Governor Kemp is encouraging every Georgia resident to be tested for COVID-19—even those who do not have symptoms. All Georgians are eligible for this test free of cost, and it takes just minutes to complete.

If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or have been exposed to the coronavirus, do not show up at a doctor’s office, an emergency room or health care facility without calling ahead first. The medical staff must be notified in advance that you suspect you’ve been exposed to COVID-19.

Instead, call your healthcare provider for instructions. You could also take advantage of Georgia’s robust telehealth system, which extends to all 159 counties, and check in with your doctor through a tablet, computer or smartphone.

Alternatively, you can call your local public health department for more information, and to get a testing time slot at a site near you.

Georgia also has a COVID-19 hotline you can call for more information: (844) 442-2681

If you are advised to be tested, you will receive specific instructions about how to get to the testing site. You should not arrive at one of the Georgia Department of Public Health’s drive-through sites unannounced or without a scheduled appointment.

Signs of an emergency

If you develop serious warning signs of COVID-19, such as trouble breathing, chest pain, confusion or bluish lips or face, seek immediate medical attention.

Call 911 and let the operator know that you have or could have COVID-19. If you have a medical mask, put it on before help arrives.