UPDATE: COVID-19 status report 8/27
News April 3, 2020Updated 8/27 at 3 pm
Georgia Department of Public Heath (DPH) reported at 3 pm Thursday (Aug. 27) the state of Georgia reported 263,074 confirmed cases of COVID-19, 5,393 deaths and 24,127 have been hospitalized.
There are 478 confirmed cases in White County resulting in 10 deaths.
The DPH updates statistics daily at 3 p.m.
How is the DPH handling COVID-19 contact tracing?
Health, News April 6, 2020
BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – All of North Georgia now has at least one Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed COVID-19 case. DPH is also responsible for notifying individuals who encountered COVID-19 patients so they can isolate or receive testing.
After a lab relays a positive test to DPH, “local epidemiologist or public health nurse will start a contact investigation by calling the person who tested positive for the disease,” explained Public Health District Two MPH, Dave Palmer. District Two included Union, Towns, Rabun, White, Lumpkin, Dawson, Habersham, Stephens, Hall, Hart, Banks, Franklin, and Forsyth.
DPH Districts throughout Georgia.
If an individual can’t answer or is a minor, then family members can answer the questions. The line of questioning includes how a person could have been exposed to the virus as well as who else might have been unknowingly subjected to COVID-19.
Currently, the only people being notified are those who had immediate and prolonged contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case. In other words, they came within six feet or less and had more than 10 minutes of interaction. Symptomatic individuals will be directed to isolate, and asymptomatic people will be asked to quarantine. As scientists and epidemiologists, learn more about the virus, these recommendations could change.
Fetch Your News (FYN) asked about tourists who visited North Georgia, and then test positive once returning home.
Palmer stated that DPH relies on information provided by patients about where they had been recently, and he reiterated that only individuals with prolonged exposure would be contacted by DPH epidemiologists.
Additionally, he said, “There should not be any tourism per the governor’s shelter in place order. There should be no public gatherings. People out in public should only be there for essential reasons, food, banking, etc. and should be practicing social distancing.”
DPH Administrative Order on Public Health Control Measures, issued on March 23, instructs:
“Each isolated person shall avoid unnecessary physical contact with any and all persons and shall comply fully with the Isolation Protocol attached to this Order, which may be updated from time to time based on guidance from the Centers from Disease Control and Prevention.”
See entire order here: administrative_order_of_commissioner_i_q_amended_3.23.20_003-01 (1) (2)
The Isolation Protocol, last updated on April 1, details best practices for positive individuals who treat themselves in the home. In short, these patients should do their best to separate from all inhabitants of the house, including pets, ensure surfaces remain clean, and don’t share commonly used household items.
According to DPH, isolation can end once:
- The patient hasn’t had a fever for at least 72 hours (that is, three full days of no fever without the use of a fever-reducing medicine); AND
- Other symptoms, such as cough and shortness of breath, have improved; AND
- At least 7 days have passed since symptoms first appeared.
If placed under home isolation due to a laboratory-confirmed positive test result but have experienced no symptoms of COVID-19, patients may discontinue home isolation when at least 7 days have passed since the date of the first positive diagnostic test.
See entire isolation protocol here: covid-19_isolation_protocol_.revised_4.1.20_exhibit_to_ao (1)
Quarantined individuals or those identified as most likely to result in infection must remain in their homes for 14 days since last exposure to COVID-19. According to the DPH Administrative Order on Public Health Control Measures:
“During the period of quarantine, the quarantined person shall take his or her temperature twice per day and monitor any symptoms of respiratory illness. If at any time the quarantined person’s temperature is above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit, or if the quarantined person experiences cough or shortness of breath, the quarantined person shall be considered a person with suspected COVID-19 and shall follow the requirements for isolation.”
FYN also asked if DPH would issue press releases or notify the public in some manner if a patient admitted to attending a public event. Palmer stated, “Because the virus is spreading, we are not issuing press releases about cases – they are reflected on the GDPH website.” He also added that no one should be attending public gatherings under the shelter in place order.
Georgia DPH adjusts COVID-19 models to include asymptomatic transmission
News, Police & Government, State & National April 1, 2020
BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – As of April 1, Georgia had 4,748 cases and 20,328 completed COVID-19 tests, but Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) has only tested symptomatic and high-risk patients. As a result, some cases have gone undiagnosed across Georgia.
Currently, DPH is following CDC guidelines, which still states online that not everyone needs to be tested for COVID-19. Most people who contract the virus will recover and can care for themselves at home. CDC gave healthcare workers four priority categories to help decide who receives tests.
Asymptomatic individuals were ranked last, and those exhibiting mild symptoms or subjected to potential community spread should only be tested if resources are available.
White County Public Safety Director David Murphy went on record about the issue.
“Some people take care of themselves at home and never go to a doctor, especially those who have minor symptoms,” he explained. Murphy added that White County first responders have encountered a dozen or more patients with coronavirus symptoms in the last two weeks.
DPH guidance for healthcare facilities when it comes to testing lower priority potential cases is as follows:
Patients with mild illness who do not require medical care or who are not a DIRECT contact of a confirmed COVID-19 case (meaning the person has NOT been within 6 feet of a confirmed case for greater than 10 minutes, will not meet criteria to be tested at GPHL but can be tested at commercial labs—see below:
These patients should self-isolate at home until symptoms resolve. If respiratory symptoms worsen, they may need to be re-evaluated. Guidance for safe home care can be found at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/guidance-homecare.html.
If you want to test these patients for COVID-19, commercial laboratory testing is the best option. Commercial laboratories are expected to conduct a substantial number of COVID-19 tests going forward. Currently, the primary source of testing is LabCorp, but we expect other laboratories will be testing in the near future as well, including Quest and ARUP. Neither LabCorp nor Quest will collect specimens at their facilities. Providers should contact LabCorp or Quest regarding supplies needed for testing.
DPH Commissioner Kathleen Toomey addressed that asymptomatic individuals in Georgia aren’t being tested but could be transmitting the virus to numerous Georgians. The state and DPH now believe the time is now appropriate to take “very aggressive measures.”
“We have not been testing everybody. We have only been testing those who have symptoms and those who are the most ill. And now, we recognize a game-changer, in how our strategy to fight COVID has unfolded. We realize now that individuals may be spreading the virus and not even realize they have an infection. As many as 1 in 4 people with coronavirus don’t realize they have the infection because they have no symptoms whatsoever,” explained Toomey.
“Finding out that this virus is now transmitting before they see signs,” remarked Gov. Brian Kemp. “Those individuals could have been infecting people before they ever felt bad.”
Kemp is expected to sign a shelter in place order on Thursday, April 2 to prevent people from ignoring self-quarantine recommendations. The details on the order are yet to be released.
Toomey further voiced that they knew asymptomatic community spread was possible due to the cruise ship cases. As of March 4, the CDC website also stated that asymptomatic spread is possible, but not as common as among individuals who are visibly sick.
Until the past 24-hours, all the DPH models relied on data solely from patients with symptoms.
“I think it’s a combination of recognizing not only that there are probably a large number of people out there who are infected who are asymptomatic, who never would have been recognized under our old models, but also seeing the community transmission that we’re seeing and now is the time to stop that transmission before the hospitals are overrun,” said Toomey.
How can Georgians prevent exposure/slow the spread?
Follow the CDC guidelines:
- Wash hands for at least 20 seconds – wash often
- Regularly clean and disinfect surfaces
- Avoid social contact and stay home
- Social distance if in public – stay six feet apart from each other
- Avoid touching the face – mouth, nose, eyes
- If sick, stay home
- Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue and throw it away
- Wear a facemask if sick
By following these guidelines and Kemp’s shelter-in-place order, Georgian’s should be able to flatten the curve and hopefully protect themselves and loved ones.
Confirmed COVID-19 cases now 3,817
News March 31, 2020
ATLANTA — The number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 rose sharply during the evening as the Georgia Department of Public Health reported 785 cases since 7 p.m. Monday (March 30). Tuesday’s noon report indicates there are 3,817 confirmed cases. 818 people have been hospitalized and 108 have died from the disease.
The number of confirmed cases in Dawson, White and Lumpkin counties also increased over night. Dawson County is now reporting 10 confirmed cases, Lumpkin County 8 and White County 3. But Dave Palmer, public information for the Department of Public Health North District 2, said no deaths have been reported in those counties.
DPH statistics indicate that approximately 21.4 percent of the patients with confirmed cases of COVID-19 required hospitalization and 2.83 percent resulted in death. The DPH advises that trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion or inability to arouse and bluish lips or face can be emergency signs of COVID. Should those signs appear, DPH recommend you seek medical attention immediately.
To protect yourself from the disease, the DPH recommends:
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.
Should you develop symptoms of the disease which include (but are not limited to) trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion or inability to arouse and bluish lips or face can be emergency signs of COVID, the DPH recommends getting medical attention immediately.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYN attracts 300,000+ page views per month, 3.5 million impressions per month and approximately 15,000 viewers per week on FYNTV.com and up to 60,000 Facebook page reach. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com
Public Safety Director says not all coronavirus cases are being reported
News March 30, 2020
David Murphy
WHITE COUNTY, Ga. – According the Georgia Department of Public Health, (DPH) as of noon today (March 30) White County had only one confirmed case of COVID-19 but Public Safety Director David Murphy said he believes there are more.
The DPH reported 2,809 confirmed cases in the state of Georgia today with 87 deaths. During the Board of Commissioners called teleconference meeting this morning, Murphy said, he believes some cases have not been reported.
“Some people take care of themselves at home and never go to a doctor, especially those who have minor symptoms,” he explained. Murphy added that White County first responders have encountered a dozen or more patients with coronavirus symptoms in the last two weeks.
All first responders have been tested for the virus and, so far, none have tested positive or even shown any symptoms. Murphy said they are required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) on all calls and that 911 dispatch asks a set of pre-determined questions to determine if a patient has coronavirus-like symptoms.
Murphy also said the county is having issues with people not obeying the order to stay at home. The Forest Service closed the national forests last week and county commissioners adopted a resolution declaring a state of emergency in White County. The resolution states, “Yonah Preserve and all White County-owned recreation facilities shall be closed for business.” The state of emergency extends through April 13.
But Murphy and Sheriff Neal Walden said a large number of people from Atlanta are coming to the Yonah Mountain trailhead anyway. “They ignore the signs and park on the side of the road,” Murphy said. Someone pried open the gate at the trailhead over the weekend.” No damage was done, but the gate has now been chained.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYN attracts 300,000+ page views per month, 3.5 million impressions per month and approximately 15,000 viewers per week on FYNTV.com and up to 60,000 Facebook page reach. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com
White County reports first confirmed case of coronavirus
News March 25, 2020
WHITE COUNTY, Ga. — Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) reported at noon today (March 25) that White County has recorded its first confirmed case of coronavirus (COVID-19).
DPH updates its list of confirmed cases of 2019 novel coronavirus at noon and 7 p.m. each day. Today’s noon update shows the number of confirmed cases in Georgia has risen to 1,247. The state’s death toll has now reached 40 and 394 people are currently hospitalized with the virus. Health department officials expect the number of cases will increase continue to increase as more people are tested..
The State of Georgia has a new COVID-19 hotline (844-442-2681). If you believe that you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or have been exposed to the novel coronavirus, please contact your primary care doctor or an urgent care clinic. Please do not show up unannounced at an emergency room or health care facility.
Four weeks ago, Murphy and his teams began to review the county’s Pandemic Response Plan. As a result, the county has moved seamlessly into an annexation of the plan.
Murphy said he expects the executive order issued by Gov. Brian Kemp earlier this week will need to be extended or additional orders added beyond the April 6 deadline. He added the purpose of the order is to flatten the curve and stop the virus from overwhelming the health care system.
“This will last for weeks and we will probably see cases rise in our state and nation. This will probably get worse before we start seeing things turn around.”
But he also said he is encouraged by what is going on nationally. “We are seeing the full force of our federal government working to provide necessary equipment and supplies and researching for anti-viral drugs to stop this virus or, at least, mitigate the effects. All hands are on deck.”
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYN attracts 300,000+ page views per month, 3.5 million impressions per month and approximately 15,000 viewers per week on FYNTV.com and up to 60,000 Facebook page reach. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com
Public Safety Director: “Prepare don’t Panic”
News March 14, 2020
David Murphy
PRESS RELEASE
WHITE COUNTY, Ga. –The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) is closely monitoring the outbreak of respiratory illness caused by a novel (new) coronavirus (COVID-19) first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China in December 2019, and is regularly coordinating with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
White County Pandemic Task Force continues to meet and prepare for any local response actions they may become necessary as this situation continues to develop. We have one message to our community: PREPARE DON’T PANIC.
There are NO COVID-19 cases in White County at this time. Our county school system and Truett McConnell University will be closing for precautionary preparedness measures beginning Monday. White County Government will be closing the Senior Citizens Center, White County Library Cleveland Branch and the Parks & Recreation Facilities beginning Monday morning as well. These closings are again in an abundance of caution to help prevent the spread of this virus and protect those persons most vulnerable to the disease.
“As always we encourage our citizens to prepare for any emergency or disaster situation that could occur in White County. PREPARE DON’T PANIC” says David Murphy, Director of Public Safety. “A great website for preparing for disasters is ready.gov or you can contact our office at 706-865-9500 during normal business hours.”
You can now access information directly at www.whitecounty.net , and click on the CONOVIRUS emblem. This will link you to a newly created page with updated information from White County Government, the CDC, Georgia Department of Public Health and our local White County School System. Links will be added as valuable information becomes available.
“I want to assure the citizens of White County that our emergency management team is meeting regularly regarding the growing pandemic concerns and assure everyone that White County has not only a Pandemic Response Plan but also has maintained a Continuity of Operations Plan to support our community. By having these plans in place for the last several years, it helps us to be better prepared when these situations arise,” states Travis Turner, Chairman of the Board of Commissioners.
He added, “I would like to personally encourage our community to prepare and not give into panic but to also use common sense measures regarding you and your family’s health and well-being. Also, I would like for us all to be vigilant in prayer for not only our White County community but our entire country and to encourage one another as we anticipate successfully overcoming this health obstacle. Please know that any decisions we make on behalf of our county will be done in an abundance of caution and safety.”
For more information concerning this press release contact the White County Emergency Management Agency at 706-865-9500.
School system issues COVID-19 press release
News March 11, 2020PRESS RELEASE
Dr. Laurie Burkett
Superintendent Dr. Laurie Burkett
WHITE COUNTY, Ga. –White County School System is aware of the potential threat of Coronavirus (COVID-19) in the United States. As we are updated by the Georgia Department of Public Health, (GDPH), we will continue to follow the lead of local, state and federal agencies. The White County School System is taking all of the necessary precautions coming from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) as well as the GDPH. Georgia Emergency Management (GEMA), along with the Governor’s Coronavirus Task Force is coordinating and disseminating all up-to-date information with state health leaders, federal and local partners at this time.
Please be aware that the CDC is asking school officials, as well as childcare centers and workplaces to prepare for a possible outbreak. At this time, there are no confirmed cases in White County. At a March 2, 2020 meeting with the White County Pandemic Task Force the Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent of School Safety reviewed the Government and Education model of the Pandemic Plan to make sure that the White County School System is fulfilling all responsibilities.
White County School System is currently reinforcing the importance of healthy hygiene with our students and employees. Our school nursing staff provides detailed information to principals and district staff as they track, monitor, and report illnesses.
We share the public’s concern regarding the possible spread of COVID-19 and we will remain focused on taking a calm, deliberate and proactive approach to protecting the health of the students, staff and the White County community.
For more information on COVID-19 please visit GA DPH Site or
CDC Site.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYN attracts 300,000+ page views per month, 3.5 million impressions per month and approximately 15,000 viewers per week on FYNTV.com and up to 60,000 Facebook page reach. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com
DPH preparations for potential spread of COVID-19
News February 27, 2020
ATLANTA – The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) is working closely with the CDC, and state partners to prepare for a potential outbreak of COVID-19 in the U.S., including Georgia. The goal is to quickly identify cases of COVID-19 and take the appropriate public health action to reduce its spread and protect the general public. It is important to note that at this time, the overall risk of COVID-19 to the general public remains low.
“We urge Georgians to prepare for hurricanes or flooding or take measures to prevent flu, so preparing for an outbreak of COVID-19 is no different,” said Kathleen E. Toomey, M.D., M.P.H., DPH commissioner. “DPH is working to make sure our health systems, first responders and county health departments have the resources they need to respond to a COVID-19 outbreak.”
DPH already has a detailed pandemic flu plan that was developed in partnership with the Georgia Emergency Management Agency, the Georgia Department of Education and other state agencies, and will be adapted for a COVID-19 outbreak in the state. DPH has responded to other serious disease outbreaks, including Ebola and Zika virus and each instance has provided new insight and guidance and highlighted the need to be as prepared as we can be.
DPH Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) is providing CDC information and guidance about COVID-19 to all health care and hospital facilities throughout Georgia, and holding weekly calls with the entire public health and hospital/health care community to update information and answer questions.
DPH epidemiologists are on-call 24/7 to help health care providers evaluate individuals presenting with symptoms of COVID-19 to ensure that possible cases are managed safely, support laboratory testing and implement recommendations from the CDC. In the event of COVID-19 in Georgia, epidemiologists would also be monitoring outbreaks and recommending control strategies, including guidance regarding testing and isolation.
Should it become necessary, DPH may recommend appropriate community mitigation measures for affected communities, such as temporary closure of child care facilities and schools/colleges and universities, school and workplace social distancing measures, and postponement or cancellation of mass gatherings. Additionally, businesses should consider ways to implement strategies to reduce the impact of a potential COVID-19 outbreak on their workforce, including teleworking and cross-training employees on essential job functions.
The same measures that are urged to prevent the spread of any respiratory virus are increasingly important for all Georgians:
Wash your hands often with soap and 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.
Cough or sneeze into your elbow or use a tissue to cover it, then throw the tissue in the trash.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
The best prevention against the flu is vaccination. Flu is still widespread and active in Georgia – it’s not too late to get a flu shot.
Passenger screening at Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport is ongoing. This is to identify people coming from China who may have been exposed to and are at risk of developing COVID-19, and to provide appropriate assessment and monitoring to protect the general public.
COVID-19 is rapidly evolving and guidance is subject to change. The preparations currently underway in Georgia are based on the best scientific information we have from the CDC. DPH will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation, and work with state partners and health care communities to incorporate the most up to date guidance in our planning and preparation efforts.
DPH will continue to update Georgians through our website
https://dph.georgia.gov/novelcoronavirus, our Facebook page and our Twitter account. It is important to remember that the most accurate and timely information regarding this outbreak is available through DPH or the CDC’s website https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.
About the Georgia Department of Public Health
The Georgia Department of Public Health is the lead agency in preventing disease, injury and disability; promoting health and well-being; and preparing for and responding to disasters from a health perspective. For more information about DPH, visit www.dph.ga.gov.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYN attracts 300,000+ page views per month, 3.5 million impressions per month and approximately 15,000 viewers per week on FYNTV.com and up to 60,000 Facebook page reach. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com
DPH closely monitors coronavirus outbreak in China
News January 28, 2020
PRESS RELEASE
ATLANTA – The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) is closely monitoring the outbreak of 2019-nCoV (coronavirus) occurring in China and regularly coordinating with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. DPH has not confirmed any novel (new) coronavirus cases to date, however the situation could change.
DPH is advising healthcare providers statewide to be alert for patients who have traveled from Wuhan, China and present with fever and respiratory symptoms. The Department sent out a detailed medical advisory to healthcare providers on reporting, testing, specimen collection and healthcare infection control recommendations for potential coronavirus cases. Healthcare providers who suspect 2019-nCoV infection in a patient should report them immediately to DPH by calling 1-866-PUB-HLTH (1-866-782-4584).
To detect possible cases of coronavirus infection early and prevent further spread, the United States began actively screening incoming travelers from Wuhan at five select airports, including Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta. DPH has protocols for transport, evaluation and testing of potential coronavirus patients, and will work with the airport quarantine station to facilitate and coordinate referrals.
This outbreak of coronavirus began in Wuhan, China in December 2019 and continues to spread. The outbreak now includes hundreds of confirmed infections and a growing number of deaths in several countries. Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses, some causing respiratory illness in people and others that circulate among animals, including camels, cats and bats. The beginning of this outbreak has been linked to a large seafood and animal market in Wuhan. A growing number of patients reportedly have not had exposure to the animal markets and many healthcare workers have become infected, indicating person to person spread is occurring.
Because this is a novel coronavirus, we do not know everything about it yet. Based on patients with confirmed coronavirus, symptoms include fever and signs of lower respiratory illness (e.g., cough, shortness of breath); case-patients also develop pneumonia. The CDC says symptoms may appear in as few as 2 days or as long as 14 after exposure. There is currently no specific antiviral treatment for 2019-nCoV infection or vaccine to prevent coronavirus infection.
Currently there are two confirmed cases of coronavirus in the United States (Illinois and Washington) and more cases are expected. The CDC says the overall risk of coronavirus to the general public is low, but the best way to prevent infection of any respiratory virus is:
• Wash your hands often with soap and 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.
• Cough or sneeze into your elbow or use a tissue to cover it, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
For more information about coronavirus, log on to https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-
ncov/index.html. Guidance for travelers can be found at
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/watch/novel-coronavirus-china.
About the Georgia Department of Public Health
The Georgia Department of Public Health is the lead agency in preventing disease, injury and disability; promoting health and well-being; and preparing for and responding to disasters from a health perspective. For more information about DPH, visit www.dph.ga.gov
Georgia Department of Public Health encourages “eclipse glasses” for 2017 total eclipse – Press Release
Health August 14, 2017
You can QUIT during the Great American Smokeout(R), Nov. 16th
Health November 13, 2017
North Georgia – Ready to quit? You can do it for at least one day this Thursday, November 16th during the Great American Smokeout®! Every year on the third Thursday of November, many Georgians join tobacco users across the nation in giving up using tobacco and electronic cigarettes for the entire day during this Great American Smokeout® event, initiated by the American Cancer Society[1]. Quitting for just one day is an important step toward a healthier you, especially if that one day can lead to many more.
Tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of death in the United States and in Georgia. Over 11,500 Georgians die each year from tobacco-related diseases, including cancer and heart disease[2]. Quitting tobacco and eliminating exposure to secondhand smoke are two proven ways to decrease the risk of tobacco related death and disability.
The Georgia Smokefree Air Act[3], passed in 2005, has reduced exposure to secondhand smoke by prohibiting smoking in all enclosed facilities, including buildings owned, leased, or operated by the State or local governing authorities.
Now, it’s your turn to reduce tobacco-related health hazards by quitting the use of tobacco and electronic cigarettes during the Great American Smokeout®.
Here in Georgia, we can help. The Georgia Tobacco Quit Line[4] is a free resource that can help tobacco users reach their goal of quitting. The Georgia Tobacco Quit Line (1-877-270-STOP; Spanish speakers call 1-877-2NO-FUME; TTY: 1-877-777-6534 for the hearing impaired) provides counseling for Georgia tobacco users ages 13 and older. Callers speak with tobacco cessation counselors who help to develop a unique quitting plan for each person.
North Georgia Health District 1-2 of the Georgia Department of Public Health, health departments in Cherokee, Fannin, Gilmer, Murray, Pickens and Whitfield Counites, Drug Free Cherokee, Cherokee Focus, and the Cherokee Youth Council encourage Georgians to go tobacco-free during the Great American Smokeout®, and beyond!
White County receives child car seat grant
News January 2, 2018
ATLANTA – The Georgia Department of Public Health’s (DPH) Injury Prevention Program has announced White County is one of the 2018 recipients of Child Passenger Safety Mini-Grants.
The grants help county health departments and their community partners reduce the number of injuries and deaths among children in Georgia. This year’s $229,670 award will be used to support the purchase of car seats to be distributed in over 115 Georgia counties. Funding for these efforts is provided by the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety (GOHS).
Since 2007, more than 344 Georgia children who were involved in crashes were saved because of car seats or booster seats provided through the mini-grant program. Education about car seat safety and proper installation have also helped protect young lives.
“Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death for children and it’s up to all of us to do everything we can to protect our children on the road,” said J. Patrick O’Neal, M.D., commissioner of the Georgia Department of Public Health. “Buckling up our children is the best way to save lives and reduce injuries.”
Throughout Georgia, DPH and county health departments work with community partners to educate parents and caregivers on how to properly install and use car seats, offer car seat inspections and provide car seats and booster seats to financially eligible families. These programs help families get their children buckled up right, every trip, every time.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com
Widespread flu in Georgia
Press Release January 12, 2018
ATLANTA – If you have not gotten a flu shot yet, do not wait any longer! Flu is widespread in Georgia, and more than 300 individuals have been hospitalized with flu-related illness. The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) has confirmed four flu-related deaths so far, but that number is expected to increase.
The predominant strain of flu circulating in Georgia and around the country is influenza A (H3N2). This strain can be particularly hard on the very young, people over age 65, or those with existing medical conditions. H3N2 is one of the strains contained in this year’s flu vaccine along with two or three others, depending on the vaccine.
“It is not too late to get a flu shot,” says J. Patrick O’Neal, M.D., DPH commissioner. “Every individual over the age of six months should get a flu vaccine – not just for their own protection, but to protect others around them who may be more vulnerable to the flu and its complications.”
Flu symptoms and their intensity can vary from person to person, and can include fever, cough,
sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. If you think you have
the flu, call or visit your doctor.
In some cases, healthcare providers may recommend the use of antivirals such as Tamiflu or Relenza. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid, an inhaled powder or an intravenous solution) that fight against the flu in your body. Antiviral drugs work best for treatment when they are started within two days of getting sick. Antivirals are used to treat those at high-risk for flu complications – young children, the elderly, individuals with underlying medical conditions and women who are pregnant. Most otherwise-healthy people who get the flu, however, do not need to be treated with antiviral drugs.
There are other things you can do to help prevent the spread of flu – tried and true measures your mother taught you:
• Frequent and thorough hand-washing with soap and warm water.
Alcohol based gels are the next best thing if you don’t have access
to soap and water;
• Cover your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing to help
prevent the spread of the flu. Use a tissue or cough or sneeze into the
crook of your elbow or arm;
• Avoid touching your face as flu germs can get into the body through
mucus membranes of the nose, mouth and eyes; and
• If you are sick, stay home from school or work. Flu sufferers should
be free of a fever, without the use of a fever reducer, for at least 24
hours before returning to school or work.
If you are caring for a sick individual at home, keep them away from common areas of the house and other people as much as possible. If you have more than one bathroom, have the sick person use one and well people use the other. Clean the sick room and the bathroom once a day with household disinfectant. Thoroughly clean linens, eating utensils, and dishes used by the sick person before re-using. To learn more about influenza, log on to www.flu.gov.
About the Georgia Department of Public Health:
The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) is the lead agency in preventing disease, injury and disability, promoting health and well-being, and preparing for and responding to disasters. DPH’s main functions include: Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, Maternal and Child Health, Infectious Disease and Immunization, Environmental Health, Epidemiology, Emergency Preparedness and Response, Emergency Medical Services, Pharmacy, Nursing, Volunteer Health Care, the Office of Health Equity, Vital Records, and the State Public Health Laboratory.
For more information about DPH, visit www.dph.ga.gov.
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