ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) - Dougherty County officials are addressing the latest on the coronavirus pandemic.
At the Tuesday press conference, officials said they believe the COVID-19 cases in Dougherty County are linked to two funerals. The funerals of Johnny Carter and Andrew Jerome Mitchell were heavily attended by members of Gethsemane Worship Center and New Direction Christian churches. Officials said there is also a possible connection to Martin Luther King Memorial Chapel.
Martin Luther King Memorial Chapel released the following statement to WALB:
County leaders said evidence suggests that the coronavirus was spread at the funerals.
Leaders also said they are not trying to cause panic, but want the community to know that if you are a member of either church, interacted with M.L. King Funeral Home or interacted with people within those churches, and if you have symptoms of the coronavirus, then you are asked to take appropriate caution.
“There is a very good chance that many in this room have been exposed to it. The vast majority of people that actually have been exposed to (COVID-19) or have been affected by it, show little to no symptoms. You may have no symptoms you may have a common cold. When you are evaluated, either by the screening process initially, we will determine whether or not if you are at a sufficient risk either because of places you may have been where we know there is a cluster or because of comorbid conditions that will make you more susceptible.” Dr. James Black, with Phoebe, said.
So far, Dougherty County officials said eight people have tested positive for the virus and three are recovering.
Symptoms include cough, fever and shortness of breath.
Officials ask that you first call your primary care physician and then call the Phoebe Coronavirus Hotline at (229) 312-1919.
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