Coronavirus In Georgia: What To Do If You Have Symptoms

GEORGIA — Not every Georgia resident needs to get tested for COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus. A vast majority of people will exhibit mild symptoms — such as fever, fatigue, and dry cough — and can recover at home.

But the number of coronavirus deaths and confirmed cases in Georgia continues to increase with nearly 4,000 cases by Tuesday afternoon, according to the Georgia Department of Public Health. The state has recorded 111 deaths to date, which is a source of concern.

If you're worried that you have COVID-19, here are recommendations from experts on what to do:

1. Stay Home And Contact A Health Care Provider

Got symptoms? Stay home if you have a temperature, a cough and pressure in your chest. Avoid people in your home as much as possible. Don't take public transportation, run errands, or meet up with friends. Before you run to the nearest hospital or doctor's office, call a health-care provider.

The Georgia Public Health Hotline — 1-866-782-4584 — emphasizes that only your doctor can decide whether or not you need a test. People older than 60, pregnant women and patients with severe medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes are at greatest risk for viral infections. If you don't have a high-risk condition and your symptoms are mild, you may not need to be evaluated or tested.

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"Most people with COVID-19 can safely recover at home with symptomatic treatment," according to the state hotline. However, if you are having a medical emergency, call 9-1-1 and tell the operator that you may have COVID-19. If possible, put on a face mask before help arrives.

2. Follow The Health Care Provider's Guidance

Listen to what your health care provider tells you. If you're sick, wear a face mask. Otherwise, improvise by using a scarf or bandana, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Continue to monitor your symptoms and keep in touch with your doctor. You may be asked to get tested. To get your hands on a test kit, you must be referred by a doctor and meet the hospital or clinic's screening criteria.

3. Get Tested If Needed

Tests are being given at several locations thought out Georgia, but test kits may be in short supply. That means you may not get tested immediately. Still, keep calm and continue to wash your hands, sanitize frequently touched surfaces and stay away from others.

Testing in Georgia currently is limited, with healthcare workers, first responders, already-hospitalized patients and residents of nursing homes first in line. That may change soon with Gov. Brian Kemp's announcement Tuesday that that the state would partner with the University System of Georgia to use its labs for an expected surge in testing. Until then, though, your best bet is to call your doctor first if you think you're sick.

4. Sign Up For Health Insurance

As the coronavirus pandemic intensifies, 11 states with their own health-insurance exchanges are reopening them for uninsured residents. The Trump administration is considering whether to reopen enrollment in other states because of the coronavirus pandemic. Until that happens, though, Georgians who have Obamacare through the federal government should check HealthCare.gov to see if any life changes — like job loss — qualify them for special enrollment.

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