Coronavirus updates: St. Francis implements zero visitor policy, plus other news for March 23
We’re tracking the most up-to-date information about the coronavirus in the Chattahoochee Valley. Check back for updates.
Muscogee County’s two confirmed coronavirus cases have connections to Fort Benning
Fort Benning authorities have released more details regarding Muscogee County’s first and second reported cases of COVID-19.
Georgia health officials confirmed the county’s first case on Thursday and the second in Saturday’s 7 p.m. update.
Benning in a news release Saturday said the newest patient is a Benning “family member” who traveled overseas and returned to Georgia in early March.
The first local COVID-19 case was confirmed Thursday by Columbus’ St. Francis Hospital, where that patient is currently under treatment in the Intensive Care Unit. Martin Army on its Facebook page Saturday said the patient was transferred from its hospital to the St. Francis ICU but did not specify when.
Georgia COVID-19 cases continue to rise
The Georgia Department of Public Health at 7 p.m. Sunday confirmed 620 cases of COVID-19 in the state, up by 20 from noon Sunday. Twenty-five people have died from the novel coronavirus in Georgia.
The Georgia Public Health Laboratory and private labs have conducted a total of 4,020 COVID-19 tests as of 7 p.m. March 22. The state has tested 3,099 people. Private labs have tested 921, state officials said.
St. Francis implements zero visitor policy
To ensure the safety of its patients, providers and employees, St. Francis Hospital has implemented a zero visitor policy, effective immediately.
Per CDC guidelines, everyone entering the hospital will be screened for respiratory symptoms and travel history No visitors allowed.
Exceptions that apply are below.
- OB patients plus the father of the baby or significant other
- Patients receiving end of life care
- Pediatric patients (2 caregivers)
Georgia cases continue to rise
The Georgia Department of Public Health at noon Monday confirmed 772 cases of COVID-19 in the state, up by 87 from 7 p.m. Sunday. No new deaths were reported. Twenty-five people have died from the novel coronavirus in Georgia.
The Georgia Public Health Laboratory and private labs have conducted a total of 5,069 COVID-19 tests as of noon March 23. The state has tested 1,245 people. Private labs have tested 3,824, state officials said.
The state has mistakenly reported two unknown categories. McClatchy has informed the state and is waiting on an update.
Auburn, NBA great tests negative for COVID-19
Auburn great and NBA Hall of Famer Charles Barkley announced Monday morning that he tested negative for COVID-19.
Barkley said on March 13 he was self-quarantined for fear that he might have COVID-19.
Barkley, 57, detailed what goes into a test for coronavirus and said he was anxious for the results. Monday morning, he received his results.
“I’ve received my COVID-19 test results this morning and they are negative,” Barkley said in a statement through Turner Sports. “I’d like to thank everyone for reaching out and expressing your concern and support. You all be safe and please take the necessary actions to help ensure your well-being.”
Alabama cases increase
Lee County, Alabama, has 17 confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Monday afternoon, one new case from Sunday’s count.
State health officials report there are now 167 confirmed cases statewide and no deaths related to the coronavirus.
The state reports 1,832 COVID-19 tests have been conducted by state and private labs as of 2:40 p.m. Monday. However, private labs are not required to report negative tests — meaning it’s possible that the actual number of tests conducted could be greater.
This story was originally published March 23, 2020 at 9:01 AM.
