Update from CEO on presumptively positive COVID-19 cases

An employee and the spouse of an employee are presumptively positive for COVID-19, according to initial testing performed at Augusta University Health System. The results await confirmation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“I would like to thank everyone for their patience as we navigate this evolving situation. Please know how much I appreciate the work that you’ve done to prepare and the actions that you are taking to assist in keeping our patients and each other safe,” said Katrina Keefer, CEO of the Augusta University Health System.

It’s important to remember that if you feel sick or have symptoms related to COVID-19, that you use our free remote screening tool available on our website and in the Apple and Android app stores, or call the COVID-19 hotline (706-721-1852).

“I want to emphasize the steps taken to prevent further infection risk and exposure. The two presumptive positive individuals were tested under appropriate infection control protocols and are now isolated in their homes,” said Keefer.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the risk of exposure to the general population remains low, but there are things you can do to protect yourselves, including staying home when sick, practicing good cough and sneeze etiquette and scrubbing your hands for at least 20 seconds regularly.

“As blood drives are cancelled nationwide, putting the country’s blood supply at risk, I want to encourage healthy individuals to consider giving blood at one of Shepeard Community Blood Center’s three area locations in Augusta, Evans and Aiken. Although COVID-19 doesn’t create a dramatic increase in blood needs, a decrease in donations for routine health care needs is creating a strain on our current supply,” said Keefer.

Please continue to check our COVID-19 resource page for updates.