Reminds people to social distance and wear masks
Gov. Brian Kemp continued his phased opening of the state of Georgia, setting dates for more businesses to open, but he left precautions in place.
In relaxing of rules put in place because of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, Gov. Kemp increased gathering sizes from 10 to 25 and allowed bars and nightclubs to reopn under certain guidelines. He announced the changes at a press conference on May 28.
He did urge people over 65 and people with medical conditions to continue to shelter in place until June 12.
Gov. Kemp encouraged people to continue to use masks when in public and to social distance.
The message was echoed by Krystal Sumner, Gilmer County Health Department Nurse Manager. She said the coronavirus is still out in the public.
“It has not gone away,” she said.
According to the Georgia Department of Public Health website, 155 cases have been confirmed in Gilmer County as of June 1.
Precautions should still be taken while people are in public spaces.
“Ideally, people should continue to maintain social distance, which is six feet apart,” she said. “It is still a good idea to wear a mask.”
Masks are a good idea to protect others in the case you may have the virus, but are asymptomatic, or show no signs of the virus.
“Ultimately, you wear a mask to protect those around you,” Sumner said.
People who are sick and people who are in contact with those who have tested positive for coronavirus should stay away from others.
“Obviously, if you are sick, you need to stay home,” Sumner said.
If you have had contact with someone who has tested positive for coronavirus the quarantine period is 14 days from the last contact, she said.
“I don’t think people realize that,” Sumner said.
There are people who are asymptomatic, with no symptoms, who may not know they are sick who can spread the virus.
More than 1,300 people have been tested at the ETC Pavilion by the health department.
To be tested, call the health department at 1-888-881-1474 and register for an appointment.
Next week, testing will be reduced to Monday and Friday from 9 a.m. to noon. Testing can still be done during the rest of the week at pop-up testing sites in neighboring counties.
As testing hours changed, Sumner said the Gilmer County Health Deaprtment will begin to reopen for normal services. They have been closed while responding to the coronavirus pandemic full time. See a a list of activities untaken by the department.
﹣ 250 informational packets were given to students via Gilmer Health Department and Gilmer County Schools. These packets were distributed to Tower Road, Mulberry Street, Heritage Apartments and Orchard Road.
﹣ 150 informational packets were given to Hispanic owned stores in our community. We asked for their personal help in combatting the spread of COVID-19.
﹣ Two informational videos were created by Gilmer Health Department and North Georgia Health District on how to slow the spread and how to make a mask at home. (Search on YouTube)
﹣ Gilmer Health Department Interpreters visited Pilgrims Pride day and night shifts on May 13. Employees were provided with information on handwashing, the importance of wearing a mask, testing, protecting others when sick. Over 500 informational packets were provided, along with information on our testing site.
﹣ Gilmer County Schools and Gilmer WIC pushed mass texts in English and Spanish to all students and WIC clients regarding the importance of handwashing, wearing masks and social distancing.
﹣ Our EMA, including the Paramedicine Team will be reaching out to local churches to solicit their help in disseminating information, both in English and in Spanish. We’ll be utilizing in-person visits where possible, flyers, internet links and social media where applicable.
﹣ Gilmer County Schools continue to provide FB information educating followers on coronavirus.
﹣ Gilmer Health Department, Gilmer EMA, PIO Jennifer King and PIO Al Cash coordinated efforts to provide community members with masks and COVID information. One thousand masks and information cards were distributed at Walmart to patrons by the Gilmer EMA paramedicine team and Gilmer Health Department interpreters.
﹣ Covid prevention pocket cards are now being given to every WIC patient in the North Georgia Health District when the client receives WIC vouchers.
﹣ North Georgia Health District continues their social media campaign informing community members about Covid prevention and test sites.
﹣ Covid prevention pocket cards were distributed to 10 Hispanic grocery stores. We asked each store owner for assistance in educating patrons about the importance of wearing masks, social distancing and distributing the informational cards.
﹣ Two hundred informational cards were given to Faith Hope and Charity Thrift Store. They agreed to give each patron a card at check out.
﹣ Gilmer School Nutrition Program assisted Gilmer Health Department by providing each student receiving Seamless Summer meals with a mask and informational card. Overall 350 masks and cards were given.