CAIRO — The Georgia Department of Public Health did not record any new cases of COVID-19 this week in Grady County, the first such instance in a seven-day period since the early stages of the pandemic, though one county resident did succumb to the virus.

DPH data recorded 898 cases of the coronavirus detected through nasal swab polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests through Thursday morning — the exact same figure they had listed at the same point six days ago. 

Seven new cases of the virus were detected through rapid-result antigen tests, which the DPH says are “slightly less reliable” than the PCR method.

One county resident did die of the virus this week, bringing Grady County’s death toll to 27. DPH also lists another three fatalities that likely were caused by the virus as well but are not officially listed as such.

Another individual was hospitalized due to the virus this week.

The apparent slowing of the virus’ spread in Grady County was reflected in the school system, which saw fewer students and teachers with positive cases of the virus this week for the first time in three weeks, though more than 100 individuals were still in quarantine due to possible exposure.

Drive-through COVID-19 tests will continue to be administered at the Grady County Health Department through the end of the month. 

Patients can be tested at the Health Department testing site on 4th Street SE on Friday, November 20 and Tuesday, November 24 from 8:30-11 a.m. and Saturday, November 28 from 9-11 a.m.

Additional testing dates may be added to accommodate high demand.

The full testing schedule for all Southwest Health District counties can be seen at www.southwestgeorgiapublichealth.org

Testing will not be conducted in any southwest Georgia county on November 26 or 27 due to the Thanksgiving holiday.

Patients are asked to make an appointment prior to receiving a test by visiting www.covid19.dph.ga.gov.

The testing schedule for December has not yet been announced.