Good Evening,
I want to explain why the numbers for Dooly County are going up and down and up again. I have been in a little war with a neighboring county. All friendly, I promise. I am trying to make sure our numbers reflect what is truly in Dooly County. This is important for several reasons and the most important being our schools. They are planning for the upcoming school year and they need the numbers to be as accurate as possible. All addresses have been verified and at the time of this email, I feel like I can say what our true numbers are:
Total Positives for Dooly: 190
Total Deaths for Dooly: 12
There are 6 duplicates in the system so you would just subtract that number from the total showing on the state site. I am also holding one result at this time and waiting on the lab to post it. It is from an outside facility. I am doing my best to prevent duplications and some facilities lag more so than others.
I also want to comment on the rise that is being reported. At this time, I am seeing a rise in numbers surrounding us. We have slowed down a good bit on request for testing. We are still offering testing for COVID 19 daily and it is FREE. We are not sitting outside anymore but we will still test anyone who would like to be tested. I am trying to be as flexible as possible so those that want to be tested can be. It is still being done outside or in the person’s vehicle. I encourage people to be tested. The only way to monitor our community’s health is to test so that those who are positive can be quarantined and isolated from others to stop the spread.
It is very important that everyone still follow guidelines and protect themselves from this virus. The positive I have on my desk at this moment was admitted to the hospital. Complications from COVID vary from person to person. We see many with no symptoms and/or very mild symptoms but there are a few that have severe symptoms. Please do your part to keep yourself safe and healthy.
I feel like a broken record but it is still so obvious that the need to reinforce following guidelines needs to be repeated. I will continue to repeat and push for these guidelines to be followed. I do not like seeing our numbers rise, our community members get sick and/or succumb to this virus. So remember: Stay 6 ft apart, wear a mask while in public areas, wash or sanitize your hands frequently, don’t touch your face, disinfect your area frequently, stay home if you are sick, stay home if you have been tested and are awaiting your results, and stay home for the required amount of time if you have tested positive. Call your physician and/or clinician if you don’t feel good. We can help you much better than social media and Google. And last, but not least, take responsibility for your own health and safety. I am always available if you need anything.
Stay Safe, Stay Healthy, and God Bless,
Cyndi Mercer, RN, PHN
County Nurse Manager
Dooly County Health Department
204 West Union Street
Vienna, Ga. 31092