Columbus-based Aflac employee tests positive for coronavirus, company says

A Columbus-based Aflac employee has tested positive for the novel coronavirus, a company spokesperson told the Ledger-Enquirer Monday.

The employee hasn’t been on the company’s property since March 13. Aflac provided no further information on the employee’s age, sex, or county and state of residence.

“In accordance with company policy and in compliance with HIPAA regulations, we won’t comment further about this individual or any private health issues involving a valued Aflac employee,” said Aflac spokesperson Jon Sullivan. “Our colleague is in our thoughts and prayers as we all hope for a speedy recovery.”

In the past several weeks, the company expanded its work from home program. More than 80% of Aflac’s employees currently work at home, Sullivan said.

As of 7 p.m. Monday, Georgia has 800 confirmed cases and 26 deaths related to COVID-19. The West Central Health District, which covers the Columbus area, reports there are 4 cases in Muscogee County. The Georgia Department of Health is still reporting only 2 COVID-19 cases for Muscogee.

This story was originally published March 23, 2020 at 7:21 PM.

Nick Wooten

Columbus Ledger-Enquirer

Nick Wooten is the Accountability/Investigative reporter for the Ledger-Enquirer where he is responsible for covering several topics, including Georgia politics. His work may also appear in the Macon Telegraph. Nick was given the Georgia Press Association’s 2021 Emerging Journalist award for his coverage of elections, COVID-19 and Columbus’ LGBTQ+ community. Before joining McClatchy, he worked for The (Shreveport La.) Times covering city government and investigations. He is a graduate of Mercer University in Macon, Georgia.