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From a press release issued shortly after 7 p.m. Saturday by Crisp Regional Hospital:

Officials with Crisp Regional announced that we received a confirmed positive COVID-19 test result in Crisp County.

This confirmed positive test is the first for Crisp County. The Georgia Department of Public Health has been notified of this positive case.

“In light of this announcement, our team continues to take every precaution to prevent the spread of COVID-19 at our hospital, clinics, and facilities,” says April Dukes, Chief Nursing Officer. “We continue to encourage the community to utilize our hotline before visiting any of our facilities.”

The hotline allows individuals to speak to clinical staff. The number for the hotline is 229.276.3068. This number is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Any person who is exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 is instructed to call the toll-free hotline before they visit a health care facility.

As of 3/16/20, mandatory screenings will occur at all employee entrances as every employee reports to work. This includes a thermometer test and screening questions.

Additional measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 include limiting all visitors from entering all facilities, including outpatient clinics. Limited exceptions are listed in the updated guidelines. No visitors are allowed in Cordele Health and Rehabilitation, Crisp Regional Nursing Home, and Blackshear Villa.

Non-essential vendors, including manufacturers’/pharmaceutical representatives, are not allowed in CRH Facilities.

A committee consisting of medical staff and administration meets daily to assess concerns, communications, and preparations.

“We will continue to evaluate our procedures and policies to ensure we reduce the spread of COVID-19. We appreciate our team for their dedication to providing the best care possible to our patients during this time,” said Dukes.

For more information and updates from Crisp Regional regarding COVID-19, visit www.crispregional.org.