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Georgia health officials testing for possible coronavirus patients -- but you shouldn’t panic

ATLANTA — As the number of people who test positive for the deadly coronavirus continues to skyrocket around the world, health officials are taking precautions right here in Georgia.

The Georgia Department of Public Health said it is already testing possible patients. There are no confirmed cases of coronavirus in the state, however, officials said “the situation could change as additional patients are evaluated.”

Officials did not release the number of patients currently being treated or tested. GDPH wants to make clear the current risk to the general public remains low.

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The Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued an alert Tuesday morning advising all travelers to avoid “all non-essential travel to China.”

Thousands of cases have been reported in China. There have been five confirmed cases in the United States, but none in Georgia.

Officials want to remind people to wash your hands regularly, avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands, and stay away from people who are sick.

If you’ve traveled from Wuhan City, China into the U.S. and you have symptoms of coronavirus (runny nose, headache, cough, sore throat, fever, a general feeling of being unwell), seek advice from your health care provider. If you don’t have a health care provider, contact your local health department.