DPH Awaits CDC Confirmation of Positive COVID-19 Test

Atlanta, GA – On March 6th, the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) is awaiting confirmatory testing on a positive test for COVID-19 in a Georgia patient in Floyd County. The initial testing was completed by the Georgia Public Health Laboratory on March 5.

Per testing protocols established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the test results were sent to the CDC for confirmation. Testing at most state laboratories, including Georgia, is just underway, and due to previous flaws in the test components sent to state laboratories, the CDC requires all presumptive positives for COVID-19 be sent to them for verification. We expect to have results from the CDC in the coming days.

“The CDC has not confirmed initial test results for this patient. DPH officials have requested expedited processing for an official determination,” said Governor Kemp. “To prevent the spread of incomplete or inaccurate information, we encourage Georgians to rely on guidance from the CDC, the DPH, and my office. We will continue to provide regular updates to keep the public informed and ensure the health and safety of families across our state.”

DPH is working to identify any contacts who may have been exposed while the individuals were infectious. People who are identified as having been exposed will be contacted directly by a DPH epidemiologist and monitored for fever and respiratory symptoms.

The risk of COVID-19 to the general public remains low at this time.

All Georgians should follow basic prevention measures:

▪ Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least twenty seconds.
▪ If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
▪ Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
▪ Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
▪ Stay home when you are sick.
▪ Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
▪ Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

If you have recently traveled to areas where there are ongoing outbreaks of COVID-19 and you develop fever with cough and shortness of breath within fourteen days of your travel, or if you have had contact with someone who is suspected to have COVID-19, stay home and call your health care provider or local health department right away. Be sure to call before going to a doctor’s office, emergency room, or urgent care center and tell them about your recent travel and symptoms.

For accurate and reliable information about COVID-19, visit dph.georgia.gov/novelcoronavirus or cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/index.html
.