Atlanta

Georgia infectious disease specialist says coronavirus spread slowing in Georgia

ATLANTA — An infectious disease specialist at Emory University said the transmission of Coronavirus is slowing in Georgia.

Dr. Carlos Del Rio said continuing social distancing is still key.

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The Emory University Global Health professor says the number of cases is beginning to flatten. Del Rio said it’s good news that the transmission of the virus is slowing in Georgia but passing the peak doesn’t mean we are done.

He says it’s not different from someone saying I’m going to go up Mt. Everest.

“I get to the peak and I’m done. No, you still have to come down from the peak. Coming down can be just as dangerous as going up.”

Del Rio said data continues to change as this is a new virus. He said it’s hard to predict if there will be a second wave in the fall.

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“Predicting the future has been very hard with this virus, really difficult,” Del Rio said. “I would say, let’s get over the first wave.”

Del Rio said his biggest concern is people 75 and older. He says if they get infected the risk of going to the hospital and the risk of dying is much higher.

He said as some businesses are being allowed to open, it is not the time to stop social distancing.

“Continue being careful,” Del Rio said. “You don’t want to get infected and you don’t want to bring infection near your family.”