Coronavirus Confirmed in Atlanta

Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) in Atlanta

There has been much talk about the Coronavirus since its initial outbreak in late December of 2019. Now that two cases of the Coronavirus have been confirmed in the metro Atlanta area, many area residents are wondering what their next steps are.

Centered Recovery Programs cares about our clients and our community and understands the growing concern surrounding this virus outbreak.  The CDC has the most updated information on how it spreads, symptoms, and prevention and treatment.  As of March 3, there are two confirmed cases of coronavirus in Fulton County, Georgia, according to an AJC news report.  Bluestein and Oliviero indicated that the couple reported symptoms immediately and tested positive for COVID-19.  Educating yourself on the facts and remaining calm are vital for prevention and minimizing the spread.

How it Spreads

According to the CDC, COVID-19 is spread through person-to-person contact and possibly through surfaces that have been infected.  Person-to-person contact could be through close range (6ft.) interaction with an infected person or through the droplets from coughing and sneezing.  COVID-19 might also be spread when a person touches an infected surface and then touches their face, nose, eyes, or mouth, but the CDC does not believe this is the primary means of transmission.

Symptoms

The CDC indicated that symptoms may range from mild to severe and can appear between 2-14 days after exposure.  Symptoms can include fever, cough, and shortness of breath.

Prevention and Treatment

Like the flu and common cold, the CDC recommends the following:

  • Avoid contact with people who are sick
  • Avoid touching your face, mouth, nose, and eyes
  • Stay home if you are sick
  • Cover your cough or sneeze
  • Clean and disinfect commonly touched items (e.g., doorknobs, shopping cart handles)
  • Wash your hands often following the CDC guidelines for handwashing (https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/)

Don’t Panic

There is no need to panic about the coronavirus.  Maintaining good hygiene and getting tested immediately after you notice symptoms can be the best approach.  Use reputable websites and sources to obtain information about the coronavirus.  There are plenty of myths about COVID-19, educate yourself about the facts from reliable sources like Johns Hopkins Medicine.

If you are a client and notice any cold-like symptoms, please see your doctor, stay home, and take advantage of our online IOP program options if you need to attend group.  If you are not familiar with our online program options, please ask one of the staff how you can attend group remotely.

Concerned about the coronavirus and want to attend an IOP program from home? Give us a call at 800.556.2966 to find out more about our virtual program! 

References

Bluestein, G., & Oliviero, H. (2020, March 3). BREAKING: Officials Confirm Georgia’s First 2 Cases of Coronavirus. Ajc. https://www.ajc.com/blog/politics/kemp-expected-address-coronavirus-late-night-press-conference/VqbHGt7Z0p8U9KTx6bClJM/

Centers for Disease Control. (2020, February 25). Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/index.html

Johns Hopkins Medicine. (2020). Coronavirus Disease 2019: Myth Vs. Fact. Johns Hopkins Medicine, Based in Baltimore, Maryland. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/coronavirus/2019-novel-coronavirus-myth-versus-fact

Susan Sanchez, MS, MSW Student & Hetal Patel, LPN