As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to complicate things, Coffee Regional Medical Center has released the following statement:
We are all in this together and we must all do our part NOW, to slow the spread of coronavirus COVID-19 in our community. As positive cases continue to increase across the United States, we can expect an increase in the number of positive cases in Coffee County. This virus is very contagious and can be spread by people who have no symptoms and are not sick. Please practice social distancing. Please follow the guidelines set forth by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) and the Georgia Department of Public Health. It is the only way to protect yourself and your family. It is the only way to assure that COVID-19 does not overwhelm our community.
Why
The novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, is a virus that our immune systems have not been exposed to; therefore, we have no antibodies to fight the virus. Because no one has antibodies for COVID-19, everyone is at risk for catching the virus, becoming ill, and spreading the virus. Using the information that has been gathered on those already affected around the world, those aged 65 and above and those with underlying health issues are at the highest risk for developing life-threatening side effects that must be treated inside a hospital or healthcare facility.
What Happens If We Don’t Social Distance
If this virus is allowed to spread, without intervention, the at-risk population will become critically ill. There simply are not enough medical resources to handle a large number of citizens in the community falling ill and needing medical intervention at the same time. Everyone deserves quality healthcare and medical intervention when needed and we must all do our part to ensure they get that.
What To Do
The best way to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is to practice social distancing – staying 6 feet or more from others and frequently washing your hands. If you are sick or have a fever stay home.
Know the Symptoms
Fever greater than 100°F, chills, shortness of breath or difficult breathing, sore throat, congestion that differs from your typical seasonal allergies, body aches, fatigue, loss of smell, diarrhea.
We Understand This Isn’t Easy
Social distancing in places like churches and schools is not really possible. For the time being it is therefore best not to hold in person gatherings where everyone cannot maintain a distance of at least 6 feet from others. We know this is not easy, for most of us worshiping together, and “breaking bread together” at large family meals is important and lifelong. But for right now we urge you to continue to pray and worship of course, but please do so in your homes with your family. Try eating with your family who do not live in your home by using facetime or skype, call a friend and read the bible with them by phone, listen to music on the radio, and pray with your family.
Together We Can Prevent the Spread
This won’t be forever and together we will get through this. If we follow the CDC and DPH guidelines it will make a difference. In the future we will all be able to celebrate the fact that we each did our part to slow the spread and reduce the number of positive cases. Please stay home, try to make it fun, try to remember those you are preventing from becoming ill, including your family members. Thank you for staying strong and together in this fight against COVID-19. Together we can and will prevent the spread.
Update
We understand there may be some confusion with the publicly reported numbers in the DPH website at noon on April 1. Please understand the numbers of positive cases in Coffee County have NOT decreased.
If you have questions please visit the Coffee Regional Medical Center or Georgia Department of Public Health websites for more information. www.CoffeeRegional.org/coronavirus