Rick Patrick
rick@greenepublishing.com
The Madison County Health Department has confirmed that two people in Madison County have tested positive for the coronavirus. According to a press release from the health department, a 23-year old female and a 66-year old female have tested positive. Both are isolated, one has been hospitalized and the other is receiving care at home.
Currently, the health department is "conducting contact investigation and working on identifying and notifying individuals who need to self-monitor for symptoms for a 14-day period. Contact investigations are a critical way for staff epidemiologists to track and prevent the spread of the disease."
With the emergence of Madison's first cases of the virus, Department of Health Administrator Kim Allbritton stressed the importance of continuing efforts to prevent the spread of the virus. "The safety and health of Madison residents is our top priority," said Allbritton. "I encourage those over age 65, as well as those with underlying health conditions, to remain at home. All residents are advised to practice social distancing and limit your movement to essential and necessary activities. Avoid traveling outside of your community, including trips to Georgia and other Florida counties. Following these strategies will work to help mitigate this contagious virus."
Governor Ron DeSantis has issued an Executive Order mandating that senior citizens and those with underlying health conditions "stay at home and take all measures to limit the risk of exposure to COVID-19." Everyone is instructed to "limit their movements and personal interactions outside their homes to only those necessary to obtain or provide essential services or conduct essential activities."
The symptoms of COVID-19 can be very similar to those of influenza. Those with COVID-19 often have symptoms such as a high fever (100.4 degrees or higher), cough and/or shortness of breath within two to 14 days of exposure to the virus. A vast majority (approximately 80 percent) of those affected with COVID-19 report mild to moderate illness and experience a complete recovery. Others may experience more severe illness. Patients who are more vulnerable to the illness include those who are over the age of 65 with underlying health conditions, immunocompromised, ill or have underlying chronic health conditions, such as heart disease or diabetes.
"If you are experiencing symptoms or have been in contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19, call your health care provider. It is important to call ahead before visiting your health care provider. Offices must take proper steps to avoid further spread of COVID-19 when a concerned patient arrives for a medical evaluation. If you do not have a health care provider or health insurance, call Madison Medical Center at (850) 948-2840 or the health department at (850) 973-5000 to determine if you meet the criteria for testing. Assistance with the steps outlined above may be obtained by calling the coronavirus information line at (850) 973-5000, option one."
For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19 visit https://floridahealthcovid19.gov/ and https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.
There is also a state-wide COVID-19 hotline available 24/7 at (866) 779-6121 or by email at COVID-19@flhealth.gov.