COVID-19 Coronavirus Confirmed in Chatham County

Now that there are confirmed cases of the COVID-19 Coronavirus in Chatham County residents, it is more important than ever to continue practicing social distancing and proper hygiene.

Please be aware that The Landings Association will not receive any official notification about the identity of any individual who tests positive for COVID-19. Identity is confidential information and protected under HIPAA laws, with exceptions for public health authorities.

According to Dr. Randy McCall, Chatham County Health Department Administrator, COVID-19 is, by law, a "notifiable disease", meaning the testing lab must report a positive test result to the state Department of Public Health. The submitting physician is notified first, then it is reported to Public Health, who then notifies our County Health Department. The health departments cannot share the names of patients. 

The Georgia Department of Public Health has established a new COVID-19 Hotline that anyone can call for information or concerns at 844-442-2681.

We know residents who are on spring break or otherwise away from school, or who are now telecommuting, may want to be around friends during this troubling time. However, let’s all do our part to physically distance ourselves to help contain the spread of this virus. Social distancing, cough and sneeze hygiene, and frequent hand-washing are necessary and important individual and collective actions needed to keep ourselves and one another safe.

For these health and safety reasons, we ask that residents please do not gather in groups on Landings Association common property, including the screened porches at Delegal Marina.

Please be mindful that your neighbors, friends, and guests may be more susceptible to the virus and to its effects. Even if you have no symptoms, you still could be a carrier and pass it on to someone else. Health professionals caution us, "Don't assume the virus is not present".

In short – as difficult as it may be, please keep a physical distance from others during this time period, for your health and that of others.

Reminders:

  • Wash hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water. If you don't have soap, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol.
  • Stay home if you are sick.
  • Regularly clean common surfaces such as door knobs, countertops, computer keyboards, and light switches.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue and throw the tissue away, or use the crook of your elbow.



This article was originally published by The Landings Association on their website.

Visit landings.org to read the original article.
https://landings.org/news/2020/03/23/covid-19-coronavirus-confirmed-chatham-county