Coronavirus hits Jefferson County

Lazaro Aleman
ECB Publishing, Inc.

Jefferson County had its first confirmed case of COVID-19, the novel coronavirus, on Saturday, April, 4.

The virus-infected person was identified as a 76-year-old man who was undergoing hospital care, according to Pam Gilleland-Beck, operations manager at the Florida Department of Health in Jefferson County (FDOH-Jefferson).

On Monday, April 6, the FDOH on its statewide website identified two more cases of COVID-19 in Jefferson County, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to three. The FDOH identified the three as two men and a woman, the two men ages 76 each and the woman aged 93, all of them county residents.

On Tuesday morning, April 7, the FDOH again updated its website to include a fourth case, this one a 29-year-old woman and county resident. Two of the cases were hospitalized.

“The FDOH-Jefferson is now conducting its contact investigation and working on identifying and notifying individuals who will need to self-monitor for symptoms for a 14-day period,” Gilleland-Beck emailed the Monticello News. “Contact investigations are a critical way for staff epidemiologist to track and prevent the spread of disease.”

She added that a total of 35 tests had been collected in Jefferson County so far from private and public labs.
“This includes 31 negative results, three positive results and one pending result,” Gilleland-Beck said. “As more positive cases are anticipated, it is imperative that everyone practice social distancing and remain at home other than for essential and necessary activities. Everyone has a role in preventing the spread of the virus.”
(Since Gilleland-Beck's email on Monday, the pending case was apparently confirmed.)

FDOH-Jefferson Administrator Kimberly Allbritton underscored the gravity of the situation, reminding residents of the importance of mitigation practices to prevent the disease's spread.

“The safety and health of Jefferson residents is our top priority,” Allbritton said. “I encourage those over age 65, as well as those with underlying health conditions, to remain at home. All residents are advised to practice social distancing and limit your movement to essential and necessary activities. Avoid traveling outside of your community, including trips to Georgia and other Florida counties.”

Allbritton went on to say that given the ages of the local cases, the importance of younger individuals limiting contact and practicing social distancing with friends and relatives over the age of 65 or who had underlying medical conditions couldn't be emphasized enough.

“This is for their safety and yours,” Allbritton said.

She cited the closure of schools and recommended cancellation of gatherings of more than 10 people as examples of social-distancing measures that help prevent the speed and spread of the virus. Health officials, she said, were hopeful that such measures would “flatten the curve” of the disease and prevent health-care systems from being overwhelmed.

The FDOH-Jefferson, Allbritton said, had been monitoring the COVID-19 outbreak since January and been in contact with Jefferson County's Emergency Management and medical providers to prepare response activities should cases arise in Jefferson County.

“The symptoms of COVID-19 can mirror illnesses such as influenza,” Allbritton said. “Patients with COVID-19 typically display symptoms such as fever (100.4°F or higher), cough, and/or shortness of breath within two to 14 days of exposure to the virus. Approximately 80 percent of those affected with COVID-19 report mild to moderate illness and experience a complete recovery. Some, however, experience more severe illness. People who are more vulnerable to the illness include individuals who are over age 65 and those with underlying health conditions, immunocompromised, ill or have underlying chronic health conditions, such as heart disease or diabetes.”
The FDOH-Jefferson advises anyone who is experiencing such symptoms or who has come in contact with someone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 to call their health-care provider.

“It is important to call ahead before visiting your health-care provider,” Allbritton advised. “Offices must take proper steps to avoid further spread of COVID-19 when a concerned patient arrives for a medical evaluation.”
She advises anyone who does not have a health-care provider or health insurance to call the Madison Medical Center at (850) 948-2840 or FDOH-Jefferson at (850) 342-0170 to determine if the person meets the criteria for testing. Assistance with the steps outlined above may be obtained by calling the department's coronavirus information line at (850) 342-0170, press option 1.

Many cases of COVID-19 can be managed at home by treating the symptoms, and this is encouraged, according to the FDOH-Jefferson.

“However, if you develop worsening symptoms, such as shortness of breath, chest pain, or inability to drink fluids, contact 911 and advise them of your symptoms as you may need treatment at a hospital,” the department advises.

For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19 visit floridahealthcovid19.gov/ and cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.

Individuals can also call FDOH-Jefferson’s COVID-19 call center 24/7 at (850) 342-0170, option 1, for general questions about the virus. Or they can contact the statewide COVID-19 hotline 24/7 at (866) 779-6121 or COVID-19@flhealth.gov. Health-care providers should continue to call DOH epidemiology staff if they have questions regarding testing.

According to the latest statewide update on the website of the FDOH as of 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 7, Florida had 14,504 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 283 deaths. Nationally, there were then 377,499 confirmed cases and 11,781 deaths. And globally, the count was 1,378,676 confirmed cases and 78,110 deaths.