The third case of Coronavirus has been supposedly reported March 6^th in Rome, Georgia. On February 29^th, a 46-year-old woman went to Floyd Medical Center’s Emergency Care Center with flu-like symptoms. The patient was screened, then released after not meeting the criteria for COVID-19 or warrant hospitalization. However, three days later she came back with worsened symptoms. Again, the patient did not meet the COVID-19 screening criteria. Despite this, Floyd clinicians admitted her to the hospital.

After being placed in isolation, doctors continued to screen her. District Health Director Dr. Gary Voccio voiced concern about the testing, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Georgia Division of Public Health authorized COVID-19 testing for the patient. Thursday, March 5^th, the preliminary test came back positive. More screening must be performed in order to confirm whether or not she has the coronavirus.

Governor Brian Kemp has already announced two confirmed cases on March 2^nd. This number is expected to grow. However, the risk of death for COVID-19 is not as high as people make it out to be. According to Worldometer the death rate for people ages 10 to 39 is 0.2% while the death rate for people ages 40 to 49 is .4%. Additionally, the death rate for people ages 50 to 59 is 1.3%, 60 to 69 is 3.6%, 70 to 79 is 8%, and 80 and over is 14.8%. The rate increases with age. Those who are at the least risk are children ages 0 to 9 years old as there are no recorded fatalities.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, symptoms include coughing, shortness of breath, and a fever. These symptoms “…may appear 2-14 days after exposure.” Further, the CDC recommends several preventative actions to help impede the spread of the coronavirus such as avoiding close contact with people who are sick, avoiding touching your face, staying home when sick, covering your cough and sneeze with a tissue, cleaning frequently touched objects and surfaces, and washing your hands with soap and water for at least twenty seconds. Although COVID-19 is quickly spread, it is not as fatal as the media portrays, and it can be prevented with hygienic practices.