Is it COVID-19 or allergies? How many cases of COVID-19 are there in Georgia? Should I wear a cloth mask in public? Where can I get tested?
Emory University Hospital, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and others have set up free COVID-19 resources — including new COVID-19 hotlines— to help answer questions and concerns about the quickly spreading virus.
Here’s a look at some resources:
Emory COVID-19 resource line: 404-71-COVID (404-712-6843). Open 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. weekdays, and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends, and answered by nurses. Patients who are symptomatic may call to evaluate their condition, receive advice and make appointments for testing, shelter-at-home instructions and home self-care/symptom management.
Emory University Hospital doctors have also developed a new online tool — www.c19check.com — that allows people to screen themselves for symptoms of the coronavirus and to receive recommendations on what to do next.
The Georgia Department of Public Health COVID-19 Hotline: 844-442-2681. Open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Operators can provide information related to risks, prevention, symptoms, isolation, community resources and testing.
The DPH also lists daily reports on the number of COVID-19 cases and deaths in the state: https://dph.georgia.gov/covid-19-daily-status-report
Children's Healthcare of Atlanta COVID-19 hotline: 404-785-7955. Open every day 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. A resource for parents or caregivers. Experts can answer questions about what COVID 19 is, how is it spread, what are the signs and symptoms and when to see a medical attention. The hotline doesn't provide medical advice and can't answer questions about caring for adults such as mom and dad.
Children's also has a new pediatric assessment tool — choa.org/covid19 — designed to answer questions such as what to do if your child has a cough, or what to do if your child has been around someone with COVID-19 but my child has no symptoms.
The DeKalb County Board of Health COVID-19 call center. 404-294-3700 (and selecting Option 1). Open 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Operators can provide information related to risks, prevention, symptoms, isolation, community resources and testing.
The Georgia COVID-19 Emotional Support Line: 866-399-8938. This 24/7 confidential line offers assistance for those needing emotional support or resource information as a result of COVID-19 pandemic. The support line is staffed by volunteers, including mental health professionals and others who have been trained in crisis counseling. This is part of a partnership between the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Disabilities, Beacon Health Options and Behavioral Health Link.
The CDC: The CDC COVID-19 web site provides updated information about the virus, how it is spread, and how to protect yourself: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019
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