COVID-19 Cases Dramatically Increasing in Georgia, Particularly Among Young People
Masking, Social Distancing Imperative at this Time
Like many health systems across the state, over the past week Atrium Health Navicent has seen a dramatic increase in the number of people coming to be tested for novel coronavirus (COVID-19) at Atrium Health Navicent facilities, which include physician practices, urgent care centers and hospitals. Of those coming to be tested, Atrium Health Navicent has unfortunately seen an increase in the number of people testing positive for COVID-19.
"We are very concerned that the majority of those testing positive recently are younger than those who have tested positive in the past. Currently, those testing positive are primarily Gen Xers and Millennials, with some Gen Zers as well. Of this group, most are able to isolate and recover at home without the need of hospitalization," said Dr. Ninfa M. Saunders, President and CEO of Atrium Health Navicent. "It is imperative that Georgians continue to practice social distancing, proper masking, and proper hand hygiene to protect themselves and others as the number of positive cases throughout the state continue to increase."
Like many health systems in the state, Atrium Health Navicent has seen a dramatic increase this week in the number of positive COVID-19 patients who have required hospitalization, including at its tertiary teaching hospital, The Medical Center, Navicent Health (MCNH) in Macon. Those requiring hospitalization are primarily over the age of 60. MCNH provides care for a primary service area that includes 55 central and south Georgia counties.
Because MCNH treats patients from a primary service area of 55 counties statewide, and in the interest of patient privacy, Atrium Health Navicent has chosen not to release hospital-specific data on the number of patients currently being treated. Instead, the health system asks that those interested in the number of local and area cases reference the list of county specific data published by the Department of Public Health, and publicly available at https://dph.georgia.gov/covid-19-daily-status-report.
If you are concerned that you may have contracted COVID-19, Atrium Health Navicent offers a number of testing options:
Visit www.navicenthealth.org and use our free online risk assessment if you are unsure if you should be tested.
Visit www.navicenthealth.org and select "Virtual Visit" to speak to a healthcare provider from the comfort of your own home, and determine next steps for testing.
Schedule an appointment with your primary care provider. Visit www.navicenthealth.org and select "Find a Doctor" if you need a primary care provider.
Visit one of Atrium Health Navicent's Urgent Care Centers.
If you are having life threatening symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, visit one of Atrium Health Navicent's Emergency Centers or call 911.
Other community testing sites are in development. Atrium Health Navicent is working closely with local and state officials to heighten public awareness of this virus' spread and precautionary measures should be taken.
Atrium Health Navicent continues to take measures to ensure its facilities are COVID Safe in order to provide care for COVID-19 positive patients as well as those who seek care for other illnesses and injuries. Those measures include the immediate isolation of suspected COVID-19 patients, a dedicated COVID-19 care team and medical equipment (these teammates and this equipment will not provide care for other patients), and enhanced cleaning and sanitization of patient care and public areas. Atrium Health Navicent's essential visitation policy and universal masking policy remain in effect for the protection of patients, teammates and visitors. The temporary medical unit established by the state for COVID-19 care remains open at The Medical Center, Navicent Health in Macon, Ga. and provides an additional 24 beds for COVID-19 care.
About Atrium Health Navicent
Atrium Health Navicent, the leading provider of healthcare in central and south Georgia, is committed to its mission of elevating health and wellbeing through compassionate care. Providing more than 1,000 beds and offering care in 53 specialties at more than 50 facilities throughout the region, Atrium Health Navicent provides care for healthcare consumers' through an academic medical center; community, pediatric and rehabilitation hospitals; urgent care centers; physician practices; diagnostic centers; home health; hospice and palliative care; and a life plan community. Atrium Health Navicent is dedicated enhancing health and wellness for individuals throughout the region through nationally recognized quality care, community health initiatives and collaborative partnerships. For more information, please visit www.navicenthealth.org.