March 11, 2020 – Since Southeast Georgia Health System began actively
monitoring patients for
coronavirus, we have consulted with the
Georgia Department of Public Health (GDPH) on a number of patients. To date, GDPH has authorized testing for
two patients based on their clinical presentation and on the evening of
Tuesday, March 10, the Health System received notification from GDPH that
a patient treated at Southeast Georgia Health System –
Camden Campus has preliminarily tested positive for
Coronavirus (COVID-19). Results for the second patient have not yet been finalized.
We continue to work closely with public health officials to protect the
health and safety of all of our patients, visitors and team members. We
are assessing the risk of exposure pursuant to the
Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and GDPH guidelines, and have notified those team members that may
have had prolonged close contact to the patient. Out of an abundance of
caution, potentially impacted team members will remain at home and be
monitored by the GDPH and Team Member Health.
In addition, although the risk of exposure is low, the Health System has
made the decision to proactively notify all patients who may have had
contact with the affected patient in order to instruct them on next steps
and address any concerns they may have.
The public can be assured that it is safe to seek care at Southeast Georgia
Health System and we are prepared to assist the community as we all manage
this complex health issue. We have the facilities and the expertise to
care for patients suspected of having an infectious disease while protecting
the safety of all of our patients, visitors and team members. Both acute
care campuses have negative pressure isolation rooms with specialized
ventilation systems and our caregivers use personal protective equipment
when necessary.
The latest guidance on COVID-19 is available through the GDPH at its toll-free
number, 1-866-PUB-HLTH (1-866-782-4584), its website
dph.georgia.gov/novelcoronavirus or through the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website at
cdc.gov. For further information regarding Southeast Georgia Health System’s
COVID-19 preparedness and local information, please visit
sghs.org.