THOMASVILLE — The Georgia Department of Public Health reports there have been 199 COVID-19 positive tests in Thomas County, with 20 deaths. 

Archbold officials reported Tuesday that to date there have been 425 positive test results for COVID-19 across their system, with 46 deaths. 

The health care system also has had a total of 1,446 negative test results. Of those who have tested positive, 320 are at home. There are 23 patients who have tested positive for the novel coronavirus at Archbold Memorial Hospital.

From its Pinetree Boulevard screening site, Archbold has had 160 total positive test results. There have been 711 negative test results from the Pinetree screening site. Those tested at the screening site and waiting on results will be notified by their primary care provider.

No patient at Brooks County Hospital has a positive test result. There is one patient at Grady General and nine at Mitchell County Hospital who have tested positive.

No resident at either Glenn-Mor Nursing Home or Mitchell Convalescent Center has tested positive. As of Tuesday, there are 26 residents at Pelham Parkway Nursing Home classified as having a COVID-19 positive test result.

To meet the needs of the communities it serves, Archbold has begun to reopen selected elective services at its hospitals, outpatient facilities and physician practices, with a strong focus on safety for patients and staff. 

Archbold started phasing in additional radiology and cardiovascular imaging services last week, and is now performing a limited number of elective outpatient surgical procedures this week. 

According to Archbold officials, over the next weeks and months, the system will expand opportunities for other services, moving at a pace that allows them to maintain safeguards, such as fewer appointments per day and fewer people sitting in waiting areas, and monitor COVID-19 in the communities and its impact on resources at its facilities. 

Patients requiring diagnostic testing, surgery, heart and vascular procedures and other services will continue to be referred to Archbold by a physician who will request that the services be provided. Archbold will work with physicians and patients to explain what services and what appointments are available. IInsurance companies may require pre-certification again before some procedures. 

“While COVID-19 is still a serious public health issue in our region, we share in the hope that the number of new cases continues to trend downward,” Archbold officials said. “Until that trend is sustained, however, our approach will be to maintain visitation restrictions, temperature checks for staff and patients, masking of all patients and staff, and physical distancing where possible. We also encourage similar safeguards for our citizens as more businesses begin to reopen and people begin to move around the community more. 

“We appreciate the community’s patience as we work to increase the number of appointments available for elective services. We’re grateful for the strong community support of Archbold, and in particular our front-line staff. We’re very appreciative of the trust and confidence the citizens in the communities we serve have shown us.”