Test results coming slower, but 25 new COVID-19 cases are recorded

There are 25 more Grady County residents testing positive for COVID-19 in the last week, bringing the total number of locals who have had the disease to 262 since the beginning of the pandemic. Grady General Hospital is treating three positive patients as of Tuesday, according to information from Archbold Medical Centers, which operates the local hospital.

As cases begin to climb, especially in nearby Florida communities, officials with Georgia’s Public Health are urging people to schedule their appointments for the free testing, rather than arriving at testing sites without being registered.

“Appointments for testing are critical to keeping wait times to a minimum. Those who arrive at a drive thru testing site without an appointment will be asked to pull out of line to complete the registration process,” says Dr. Charles Ruis, District Health Director for Southwest Public Health District 8-2.

Testing is available at the Grady County Health Department during the month of July every Wednesday and Friday, 8 a.m.-12 p.m. and Sunday, July 19, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

A new website allows individuals to access the scheduling system 24/7 to schedule their own appointments, with the exception of Colquitt County testing locations.

By visiting covid19.dph.ga.gov from a computer or smart phone and answering a few questions, it’s possible for an individual to quickly select an appointment date, time, and test location most convenient for them.

For those who plan to test in Colquitt County, and for those without internet access, the appointment hotline is still available Monday through Saturday at (229) 352-6567.

Michelle Thornton, R.N./B.S.N., director of the Grady County Health Department, says she is noticing that test results are taking longer to be reported. Thornton says, “I have not been notified why it is taking longer. The usual turn around time has been 72 hours.”

Due to the rising number of positive COVID-19 cases in the community and hospital, Archbold has revised its visitation policy as of today. With the exception of end-of-life situations, inpatients will not be allowed visitors. Patients at the emergency department or urgent care may have one designated visitor at bedside as appropriate, two if the patient is a minor. Patients of outpatient services such as radiology or lab work, should enter the hospital alone, unless they require assistance.

Statewide, the number of positive cases increased in the last week by 23,484 to 123,963, and the number of Georgians dying from the disease increased 155 to a total of 3,054.

Thomas County saw 90 new cases this week and one more death, while Decatur County had 56 more cases. Mitchell County had 33 new cases in the last week and two more deaths, while Colquitt County had 129 more positives and one new death.

In Leon County, Florida, 602 new cases were identified in the last seven days, and two more deaths, and in Gadsden County, Florida, there were 148 more cases and one more death.

According to the Georgia Hospital Association, there were 2,398 critical care beds in use across the state Tuesday, and 449 more such beds available for use.