CAIRO — The Georgia Department of Public Health says more than 70 cases of the novel coronavirus were diagnosed in Grady County this week. DPH data shows that a total of 647 cases of COVID-19 have been recorded in Grady County, a 77-case increase from the 570 cases DPH had recorded seven days ago.

DPH data also indicates that a ninth Grady County resident died of the virus within the past seven days.

At least 80 Grady County residents have been hospitalized with the virus. Officials with Archbold Medical Center say four individuals were hospitalized at Grady General Hospital Tuesday.

Individuals who are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or are believed to have been exposed to the virus are urged to contact their primary care doctor or an urgent care clinic. Patients are asked not the arrive unannounced at an emergency room or healthcare facility.

Specimen collection testing will be conducted at the Grady County Health Department every Tuesday and Friday this month from 8 a.m.-noon. Patients are encouraged to schedule appointments by calling 229-352-6567 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays through Fridays or between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Saturdays. Patients can also visit covid19.dph.ga.gov and select “Take the Screening Questionnaire” to begin the application process.

Visit southwestgeorgiapublichealth.org to see the full testing schedule for all southwest Georgia counties.