GA Coronavirus: New Cases Confirmed, Patients Quarantined At Park

GEORGIA — More coronavirus cases were confirmed in Georgia Tuesday night — including a person under quarantine at a state park — bringing the total to 22 confirmed and presumed positive cases of coronavirus in the state. Five more presumed cases of COVID-19 were announced by Gov. Brian Kemp, who said only one of the patients appears to have traveled outside the country.

As of Wednesday morning, there are 16 presumed positive cases of the coronavirus, and six confirmed cases of the disease in Georgia, according to the Georgia Department of Public Health.

Globally, more than 121,000 people have been infected and more than 4,300 people have died from the new coronavirus, Johns Hopkins reported Wednesday morning. Of that total, more than 80,000 confirmed cases are in China, while the entire United States has 1,039 confirmed cases as of Wednesday morning. There have been 29 deaths in the U.S. have been tied to the virus outbreak.

Related: Interactive Map: Latest US Coronavirus Cases

The Georgia Department of Public Health is awaiting confirmation tests from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on five additional presumptive positive cases of COVID-19 in Georgia. The additional cases are in Charlton County, Fulton County, and three in Cobb County. All but one individual (Fulton) are hospitalized. One of the Cobb presumptive positives has a travel history outside the country. The sources of the other infections are unknown.

Don't miss updates about precautions in Georgia as they are announced. Sign up for Patch news alerts and newsletters.

Confirmed cases and presumed positive cases of COVID-19, as of Wednesday morning, are broken down as follows:

6 Confirmed COVID-19 Cases

• Fulton County: 3
• Floyd County: 1
• Polk County: 1
• Cobb County: 1

16 Presumptive Positive COVID-19 Cases

• Fulton County: 3
• Cobb County: 6
• Fayette County: 1
• DeKalb County: 2
• Gwinnett County: 2
• Cherokee County: 1
• Charlton County: 1

The overall risk of COVID-19 to the public remains low, although elderly people and individuals with chronic medical conditions may have increased risk, the Georgia Department of Public Health said.

Gov. Brian Kemp said early Wednesday morning that seven emergency mobile units were deployed to Hard Labor Creek State Park in Morgan County. Coronavirus patients who aren't able to self-isolate have been sent to the park to stay.

This action was taken as a precautionary measure in accordance with the state's strategic plan to prepare for any and all scenarios as it relates to COVID-19 cases in Georgia, the governor's office said.

The governor's office confirmed that the first patient, someone from Cherokee County who has tested positive for the virus, has now been isolated on the state park grounds in one of the mobile units. The person was not able to isolate at their primary residence and was not in critical condition requiring any hospital admittance. State public health officials determined that a specific part of Hard Labor Creek State Park would be best suited for isolation as the individual is treated by medical professionals.

"This site was specifically chosen for its isolation from the public and ability to house mobile units in the short term," said Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Director Homer Bryson. "State public health staff will monitor the individual's progress and work together with state law enforcement to ensure the safety of the community and the patient."

The isolated site at Hard Labor Creek State Park is closed to public access and closely monitored 24-hours a day, seven days a week by state law enforcement.

A total of 34 Georgians and other Americans aboard the Grand Princess cruise ship currently quarantined off the coast of California due to the new coronavirus will be transferred to an airbase in Marietta, Georgia, according to Gov. Brian Kemp.

All Georgians should follow basic prevention measures suggested by the Georgia Department of Public Health:

• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least twenty 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.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

If you have recently traveled to areas where there are ongoing outbreaks of COVID-19 and you develop fever with cough and shortness of breath within 14 days of your travel, or if you 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 recent travel and symptoms.

There is no evidence of community spread of coronavirus in Georgia at this time, health officials said.

For information about coronavirus, visit the Georgia Department of Public Health or the CDC.

Read More:

• GA Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know
• GA Coronavirus: Here's What Colleges Are Telling Students
• GA Coronavirus: Schools To Focus On Prevention, Cases Increase
• Canton Waffle House Employee Tests Positive For Coronavirus