Coronavirus update: First Georgia death was Cobb patient

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Gov. Brian Kemp said Thursday afternoon that Georgia’s first Coronavirus death was a man who had been at WellStar Kennestone Hospital.

The man, who was 67 years old, tested positive for the virus on March 7, and had underlying medical conditions, according to a statement issued by the governor’s office and the Georgia Department of Health.

“Marty, the girls, and I are praying for the family and loved ones of this individual during this incredibly difficult time,” Kemp said in the statement. “I know the medical professionals on site did everything that they could, and I greatly appreciate their efforts. As our state continues to address this pandemic, I urge Georgians to remain calm and support their neighbors and communities. We are in this fight together.”

Older people and those with medical conditions are considered at high-risk for contracting Coronavirus, which has claimed more than 4,600 lives, around 40 in the United States, and infected more than 125,000 people in nearly 100 countries.

Those in those high-risk groups—including people with heart disease, diabetes, and lung disease—are being asked to prepare to stay at home for an extended time to limit their exposure to the virus.

Georgia DPH is recommending that they have two weeks’ worth of household items, groceries, water and extra supplies of medications.

The agency also urged all Georgians to continue to take preventatiive measures, including regularly washing hands with soap and warm water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands, avoid close contact with people who are sick and staying home if sick.

Citizens are also asked to regularly clean and disinfect objects and surface they frequently use.

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On Wednesday the Georgia Department of Health updated its Coronavirus statistics to indicate 31 presumed or confirmed cases of the viral disease in the state.

Of those cases, 12 are confirmed, and 19 are presumed positive.

Cobb County has the most overall cases in Georgia, with a total of nine of the 31. There has been a second confirmed case in the county, while six more are presumed positive.

Presumed positive cases require confirmation by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control.

An individual at Kincaid Elementary School has tested positive for Coronavirus, prompting a 14-day shutdown and cleaning of the school, starting today.

UPDATED, 2 P.M.:

WellStar Health System sent out this message:

Out of an abundance of caution for current concerns about COVID-19, Wellstar has assembled a team of infectious disease and infection prevention specialists from across Wellstar Health System who communicate daily to stay up to date on the latest developments and prepare for patient care.

All of our Wellstar’s facilities are open and operating under normal business hours.

Additionally, for the health and safety of our patients/team members, and following CDC guidelines, Wellstar has begun screening visitors at all of our locations for symptoms related to COVID-19, effective immediately.

Visitors should expect to have their temperature taken, have any potential symptoms reviewed, and will be asked about their travel history. Visitors who do not pass the screening will be requested to refrain from visiting patients until they have been self-quarantined for 14 days or all symptoms have been resolved. No visitors will be allowed for people who have tested positive for COVID-19 or who have recently traveled from regions with widespread community spread of the disease. This process is temporary and is designed to limit the spread of COVID-19 in our communities.

Although there is still a very low risk for people to contract the virus, Wellstar is well-prepared to meet the healthcare needs of the communities we serve.

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