Habersham County’s reported cases shot up to 14 Friday night, and the Georgia Department of Public Health reported the county's first death as a 79-year-old woman with underlying health problems.
As of the Friday night update, Georgia has 11,859 positive cases, 2,454 patients hospitalized and 425 have died. There are still no reported deaths in White, Banks, Stephens, Rabun or Hall counties.
Habersham Medical Center CEO Lynn Boggs said Thursday no patients died at the hospital.
DPH officials have stressed a concentration on slowing community spread rather than focusing on details of those who have tested positive.
“The numbers of cases and deaths from COVID-19 have steadily increased in Georgia and around the country in recent days. These numbers are dramatic, and the grief over loved ones lost to the virus is unfathomable. With more testing, the numbers will continue to increase,” a DPH release said Tuesday. “Without question, these numbers also tell us that COVID-19 is widespread throughout Georgia. The Georgia Department of Public Health is calling on all Georgians to do their part to stop further spread of this deadly virus.”
In addition to social distancing, hand washing and staying home unless it’s absolutely necessary to get vital supplies, the CDC now recommends wearing face coverings, particularly in places like the grocery store.
“We know that increased testing means the number of positive cases will increase. But along with that, we are also seeing further spread of COVID-19 throughout Georgia,” said Dr. Kathleen E. Toomey, DPH commissioner. “We can stop the spread of COVID-19 in Georgia, but every Georgian must take personal responsibility now and follow the prevention guidance to keep this deadly virus from taking any more precious lives.”
MEDICATION
U.S. Rep. Doug Collins (R-Ga.) announced Wednesday that Amneal Pharmaceuticals, Inc., one of the largest U.S.-based generics manufacturers, has donated 200,000 doses of hydroxychloroquine sulfate to Georgia for potential use in treating hospitalized COVID-19 patients.
“On behalf of the people of Georgia, I want to thank Amneal Pharmaceuticals for this incredible donation,” Collins said. “This medication could be pivotal in Georgia’s fight against COVID-19 and could potentially save thousands of lives across our state. ... We will beat this virus, and our nation will emerge stronger than ever before.”
Hydroxychloroquine sulfate is currently used to treat malaria, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and other autoimmune diseases. It has recently been identified as a possible treatment for COVID-19 and the federal government has requested its immediate availability. Georgia is one of the first states to have received a donation of hydroxychloroquine sulfate from Amneal Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Amneal is also donating and providing products directly to hospitals across the nation.
Toomey said in a press conference Wednesday that the hydroxychloroquine secured by Collins would be used mainly for hospitals but stressed the importance of physicians keeping adequate supplies as well.