What To Know And How To Protect Yourself 

Piedmont Healthcare is responding rapidly to COVID-19, a new respiratory disease spreading across Georgia and the globe. There is no vaccine for COVID-19 (coronavirus), but you can help contain its spread and protect yourself.

Symptoms may include fever, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, new loss of taste or smell. If you are experiencing symptoms, please book a Telehealth visit with a Piedmont Urgent Care provider at piedmont.org/urgentcare to be screened.

If testing is recommended based on your screening, the physician will book an appointment for a COVID-19 nasal swab test at your nearest Piedmont Urgent Care location.

How to protect yourself and others

The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to the virus, which is through to spread mainly from person to person.
 

Stay At Home

Many local governments have issued orders to stay at home, except to provide or receive essential services, and you should obey the order if your area has one. Even if your local government has not enacted such an order, the best way to avoid contracting and spreading the virus is to remain home. If you must visit the grocery store, go once a week and go alone. Use delivery services if possible.

Avoid Close Contact

Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Put at least six feet of distance between yourself and other people.

Clean Your Hands Often

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Cover Coughs And Sneezes

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, or use the inside of your elbow. Throw used tissues in the trash, and wash your hands immediately.

Cover Your Mouth And Nose With A Cloth Face Cover

Even people who feel healthy can unknowingly spread COVID-19, so wear a face covering in public to protect others. Do not place coverings on children under age 2 or anyone who has trouble breathing or is unable to remove the mask without help.

Wear A Facemask And Stay Home If You’re Sick

Stay home (except to get medical care). Wear a facemask when you’re around other people and before entering a healthcare provider's office.

Clean And Disinfect

Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. If surfaces are dirty, clean them.

COVID-19 Symptoms

• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fever
• Cough
• Chills
• Repeated shaking with chills
• Muscle pain
• Headache
• Sore throat
• New loss of taste or smell

Symptoms may range from mild to severe and can appear 2-14 days after exposure. Older adults,  people who live in nursing homes or long-term care facilities and people with underlying medical conditions may be at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19.