In the coming days, as the number of positive cases rises, the West Central Health District wants you to know the current information about testing and results in our district.
We have established a toll-free number for COVID-19 information: 1-855-962-0955. After the recording, callers may leave a message which will be returned within 24 hours.
For general COVID-19 questions during normal business hours please feel free to call 706-321-6300.
To be seen at the Columbus Health Department collection site, individuals must be Georgia residents. Everyone must meet CDC guidelines for testing and the drive-thru site is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Due to the high demand of testing supplies, the following groups have priority based on CDC criteria:
• Health care workers and first responders
• People who work with vulnerable populations
• People who live in congregate settings
• Elderly people and individuals with chronic medical conditions
Currently, people without symptoms, or mild symptoms are not being tested. Some collection sites are being added as more supplies become available. Please call your local health department to find available collection sites.
The number of cases in the state is updated twice a day at https://dph.georgia.gov/covid-19-daily-status-report. The Department of Public Health will only release the number of positive cases in each county. No other demographic information will be given. When a lab receives a positive result, this information is electronically transferred to the SendSS tracking system.
If you have visited an area where there are ongoing outbreaks of COVID-19 and develop fever with cough and shortness of breath within 14 days of your travel, or if you have had close contact with someone who is suspected to have COVID-19, stay home and call your health care provider for evaluation and testing. Individuals who have mild symptoms should self-quarantine for 14 days.
If residents have no provider or have no insurance, please contact your local health department for guidance.
These are some effective ways to prevent the spread of any contagious illness:
• Wash your hands often with soap and warm 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.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
For more information on Coronavirus Disease 2019, visit www.cdc.gov.
