CAIRO — Officials with the Grady County Health Department have confirmed that a fifth Grady County resident has died of COVID-19.

“Sadly, we have added another death to our list,” Health Department director Michelle Thornton said Tuesday.

The Grady County coroner’s office stated they have not received any information pertaining to the deceased patient.

A total of 94 cases of the virus have been identified in Grady County as of Wednesday morning, Thornton said.

Additional COVID-19 specimen collection tests will take place by appointment this Thursday between 8 a.m. and noon and Saturday between 9 a.m. and noon. Thornton said efforts are underway to conduct additional specimen collection tests at Washington Middle School on Thursday, May 28 between 8 a.m. and noon.

Anyone can make an appointment to be tested. Individuals interested in being tested are asked to call (229) 352-6567 to make an appointment. Individuals who arrive at the testing location without an appointment will still be tested and added to the Health Department’s list.

“I realize not everyone has a phone (or minutes on their phone) and may not have transportation and we plan to work with anyone who wants to be tested,” Thornton said.

Recent specimen collection efforts have netted 96 tests on May 10, 39 tests on May 12 and 53 tests on May 15. Another 27 tests were collected Tuesday, Thornton said.