Two patients at Northeast Georgia Medical Center’s Braselton campus have been diagnosed with Coronavirus, the first two confirmed cases in Hall County.
Hospital officials said the patients were being kept in isolation and that anyone who needs medical attention should feel safe coming to the Braselton facility.
Officials announced the first case around 8 p.m. Sunday and the second case about 11:30 p.m.
“Our physicians, nurses and other staff are following all guidelines from the CDC to provide the best possible care,” Anthony Williamson, president of NGMC Braselton, said.
Williamson said both patients are being kept in a negative pressure room, wearing personal protective equipment and following all recommended cleaning procedures to help keep the patient and all others in the hospital safe.
No information about the age or sex of either patient was immediately released, nor was information about how they might have contracted the virus.
Georgia had 99 confirmed cases of COVID-19 at noon today, the last time the Georgia Department of Public Health updated its Coronavirus daily status report website. One death has been reported in Georgia.
The U.S. death toll rose to 62 across 12 states on Sunday, with the total number of confirmed cases surging to more than 3,200. The worldwide death toll topped 6,000.
At the same time it announced the patient with Coronavirus, Northeast Georgia Health System also announced new screening procedures at all its hospitals. Starting Sunday afternoon, only select entrances will be open for patients and visitors. Each patient and visitor who enters the facilities will be screened. (A complete list of open entrances, visitation rules and other information can be found here.) www.nghs.com/covid-19
“These simple screening questions will help us protect all of our patients, visitors and employees as we try to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our communities,” Dr. Supriya Mannepalli, medical director of infection prevention and control, said. “If a visitor is suspected for COVID-19, we will provide them with next steps to follow for testing.”
Physicians and hospital leadership are reviewing scheduled, elective surgeries. Hospital staff will contact patients if a surgery is canceled. Patients with concerns about scheduled surgeries should contact their physician’s office.
The hospital cafeterias will continue to serve food, but dining areas are closed indefinitely. Patients, visitors and employees may purchase food to take back to room, waiting areas or break rooms.
Hospital officials said anyone who has a fever, a cough or difficulty breathing should call their doctor’s office or a nearby urgent care clinic for advice about where to go for treatment.
They also suggest that people who already have a doctor’s appointment and who have traveled to an area affected by Coronavirus should call their doctor before leaving their house.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2020/3/886450/ngmc-braselton-confirms-first-hall-county-coronavirus-case