The Coastal Health District of Georgia serves the counties of Bryan, Camden, Chatham, Effingham, Glynn, Liberty, Long & McIntosh

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Beach Water Advisories Lifted in Glynn County

March 22nd, 2022 by CHD Communications

Posted in Glynn News, News |

Updated March 23, 2022:

The Glynn County Health Department has lifted the bacteria-related beach water advisories on St. Simons Island and Jekyll Island.

Advisories have been lifted for:

  • Massengale Park Beach – from Driftwood Dr. to Cedar St. on St. Simons Island, and
  • Great Dunes Beach – from the Beach Pavilion to Corsair Beach Park on Jekyll Island.

The advisories were issued on March 22, 2022 after routine water quality tests showed a high level of enterococci bacteria which increase the risk of gastrointestinal illness in swimmers. Subsequent water samples showed that the bacteria levels had dropped below Environmental Protection Agency’s recommended limits. Therefore, the advisories have been lifted.

March 22, 2022

The Glynn County Health Department has issued beach water advisories for the following beach locations:

  • Massengale Park Beach – from Driftwood Dr. to Cedar St. on St. Simons Island, and
  • Great Dunes Beach – from the Beach Pavilion to Corsair Beach Park on Jekyll Island.
graphic showing the beach water advisory signs [JPG, 2.57 MB]

The Department of Natural Resources – Coastal Resources Division tests water samples at Glynn County beaches throughout the year. The test screens for enterococcus (pronounced: en·ter·o·coc·cus) bacteria, which are found in humans and some wildlife.

When a beach is under advisory, it means the level of bacteria found in the water is above the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) recommended standards. Periodic advisories are not unusual, and sources of the bacteria could include animal waste, storm water runoff, or boating waste.

The advisory does NOT mean the beach is closed. Beach water advisories alert the public of a possible risk of illness associated with water contact in the advisory areas. The Health Department recommends you do not swim or wade in the water in the areas under advisory. Fish and other seafood caught from these areas should be thoroughly washed with fresh water and thoroughly cooked before eating, as should fish or seafood caught from any waters.

The areas will be re-tested this week, and the advisories will be lifted when the bacteria levels meet the EPA’s recommended standards. For more information, visit our beach water testing page.

COVID-19 Testing Site to Close in Camden County

March 16th, 2022 by CHD Communications

Posted in Camden News, COVID-19, News |

A significant decrease in demand for COVID testing has prompted public health officials to close the COVID-19 testing site at the Camden County Health Department in St. Marys. The last day for testing at this site is Thursday, March 17, 2022.

“We’ve done more than 5,000 COVID tests in Camden County over the last two years, and we’re proud to have served our community in this way,” said Dr. Lawton Davis, Health Director of the Coastal Health District. “There was a time when testing options were limited and demand was high. But the landscape has changed – demand has fallen sharply, and there are many other options for COVID testing in the area. It’s time for us to scale back, with the knowledge that if the situation changes in the future we can expand again if necessary.”

Several local healthcare providers in the area offer COVID testing, and at-home self-test kits can be ordered for free from the federal government at covidtests.gov. COVID testing by public health is also available six days a week in Glynn County on Kemble Avenue, across from the Emergency Care Center of Southeast Georgia Health System.

Click here for more information about COVID-19 testing options through public health in the Coastal Health District.

Powdered Infant Formula Recall Expanded; Five Reports of Bacterial Infection in Infants

March 4th, 2022 by CHD Communications

Posted in Bryan News, Camden News, Chatham News, Effingham News, Glynn News, Liberty News, Long News, McIntosh News, News |

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The following press release was issued from the Georgia Department of Public Health:

A recall of powdered infant formula is expanding to include a specialty formula for infants with certain dietary needs. Abbott Nutrition is now recalling one lot of Similac PM 60/40 in addition to select lots of Similac, Alimentum, and EleCare formulas manufactured in its Sturgis, Michigan, facility. The products are sold throughout the U.S. The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) is urging parents and caregivers of infants to check their powdered infant formula before using it.

The recall for Similac PM 60/40 includes lot numbers 27032K80 on cans and 27032K800 on cases.

The previously recalled powdered infant formulas – Similac, Alimentum, and EleCare – can be identified by the 7-to-9-digit code and expiration date on the bottom of the package. Do not use these brands if they meet all 3 of the following conditions:

  • the first two digits of the code are 22 through 37 and
  • the code on the container contains K8, SH, or Z2, and
  • the expiration date is 4-1-2022 (APR 2022) or later.

Parents can also check Similac’s recall website or call 800-986-8540 and follow the instructions provided to find out if a formula they use is included in the recall. If a child’s regular formula is not available, parents should consult with their child’s healthcare provider for recommendations on changing feeding practices.

Georgia WIC participants may return, or exchange recalled formula to the place of purchase or contact their WIC clinic to exchange for replacement vouchers.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are investigating after five babies in three states (Minnesota, Ohio, Texas) became sick with bacterial infections after consuming the products. Four of the complaints concerned Cronobacter sakazakii infections and one complaint was Salmonella infection. All five illnesses resulted in hospitalization and Cronobacter may have contributed to death in two infants.

Additional recall information is available on the FDA website or the CDC’s website https://www.cdc.gov/cronobacter/outbreaks/infant-formula.html.

Beach Water Advisories Lifted in Glynn County

March 3rd, 2022 by CHD Communications

Posted in Glynn News, News |

Updated on March 3, 2022

The Glynn County Health Department has lifted the bacteria-related beach water advisories on St. Simons Island and Jekyll Island. Advisories have been lifted for:

  • East Beach at Old Coast Guard Station – from Tenth St. to Driftwood Dr. on St. Simons Island,
  • Massengale Park Beach – from Driftwood Dr. to Cedar St. on St. Simons Island,
  • Fifth Street Crossover Beach – from Cedar St. to Ninth St. on St. Simons Island, and
  • South Dunes Picnic Area Beach – from Corsair Beach Park to South Water Tower on Jekyll Island.

The advisories were issued on March 1, 2022 after routine water quality tests showed a high level of enterococci bacteria which increase the risk of gastrointestinal illness in swimmers.

Subsequent water samples showed that the bacteria levels had dropped below Environmental Protection Agency’s recommended limits. Therefore, the advisories have been lifted.

March 1, 2022:

The Glynn County Health Department has issued beach water advisories for the following beach locations:

  • East Beach at Old Coast Guard Station – from Tenth St. to Driftwood Dr. on St. Simons Island,
  • Massengale Park Beach – from Driftwood Dr. to Cedar St. on St. Simons Island,
  • Fifth Street Crossover Beach – from Cedar St. to Ninth St. on St. Simons Island, and
  • South Dunes Picnic Area Beach – from Corsair Beach Park to South Water Tower on Jekyll Island.
graphic showing the beach water advisory signs [JPG, 2.57 MB]

The Department of Natural Resources – Coastal Resources Division tests water samples at Glynn County beaches throughout the year. The test screens for enterococcus (pronounced: en·ter·o·coc·cus) bacteria, which are found in humans and some wildlife.

When a beach is under advisory, it means the level of bacteria found in the water is above the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) recommended standards. Periodic advisories are not unusual, and sources of the bacteria could include animal waste, storm water runoff, or boating waste.

The advisory does NOT mean the beach is closed. Beach water advisories alert the public of a possible risk of illness associated with water contact in the advisory areas. The Health Department recommends you do not swim or wade in the water in the areas under advisory. Fish and other seafood caught from these areas should be thoroughly washed with fresh water and thoroughly cooked before eating, as should fish or seafood caught from any waters.

The areas will be re-tested this week, and the advisories will be lifted when the bacteria levels meet the EPA’s recommended standards. For more information, visit our beach water testing page.

Chatham County Health Department Facilities Closed March 4

March 1st, 2022 by CHD Communications

Posted in Chatham News, News |

The two main facilities of the Chatham County Health Department will be closed to the public on Friday, March 4, 2022, as the telephone system is upgraded. Temporary telephone and internet outages are expected during this time. Clients with impacted appointments will be contacted to reschedule.

The following facilities and services will be unavailable March 4:

  • Main Clinic, 1395 Eisenhower Drive – clinical services, dental services, vital records, environmental health offices
  • Midtown Clinic, 1602 Drayton Street – clinical services

The following facilities and services will be available March 4:

  • COVID-19 Vaccination Annex, 1249 Eisenhower Drive – adult and pediatric COVID vaccinations
  • COVID-19 Testing, 301 W. Oglethorpe Ave., Savannah Civic Center
  • COVID-19 Testing, 210 Technology Circle, Georgia Tech Savannah Campus in Pooler
  • Chatham CARE Center, 107 B Fahm Street – HIV Services

All facilities will resume normal operational schedules on Monday, March 7, 2022.

Beach Water Advisories Lifted on Tybee Island

January 19th, 2022 by CHD Communications

Posted in Chatham News, News |

Updated January 21, 2022

The Chatham County Health Department has lifted the beach water advisories on Tybee Island. The adivsory for Middle Beach at Center Terrace (Lovell Street to 11th Street) was lifted on January 20, and the advisory for Strand Beach at the Pier (11th Street to 18th Street) was lifted on January 21.

The advisories were issued on January 19, 2022 after routine water quality tests showed a high level of enterococci bacteria which increase the risk of gastrointestinal illness in swimmers. Subsequent water samples showed the bacteria levels had dropped below Environmental Protection Agency’s recommended limits. Therefore, the advisories were lifted.

The Chatham County Health Department has issued beach water advisories for the following beach locations on Tybee Island:

  • Middle Beach at Center Terrace – Lovell Street to 11th Street, and
  • Strand Beach at the Pier – 11th Street to 18th Street.
graphic showing the beach water advisory signs [JPG, 2.57 MB]

The Department of Natural Resources – Coastal Resources Division tests water samples at Georgia beaches throughout the year. The test screens for enterococcus (pronounced: en·ter·o·coc·cus) bacteria, which are found in humans and some wildlife.

When a beach is under advisory, it means the level of bacteria found in the water is above the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) recommended standards. Periodic advisories are not unusual, and sources of the bacteria could include animal waste, storm water runoff, or boating waste.

The advisory does NOT mean the beach is closed. Beach water advisories alert the public of a possible risk of illness associated with water contact in the advisory areas. The Health Department recommends you do not swim or wade in the water in the areas under advisory. Fish and other seafood caught from these areas should be thoroughly washed with fresh water and thoroughly cooked before eating, as should fish or seafood caught from any waters.

The areas will be re-tested this week, and the advisories will be lifted when the bacteria levels meet the EPA’s recommended standards. For more information, visit our beach water testing page.

COVID-19 Testing Resumes at Savannah Civic Center January 10, 2022

January 5th, 2022 by CHD Communications

Posted in Chatham News, COVID-19, News |

Free COVID-19 testing by the Coastal Health District will resume at the Savannah Civic Center beginning Monday, January 10, 2022. Testing operations at the location were temporarily suspended because of previously scheduled events in the arena. When testing resumes, samples will be collected in the Civic Center’s parking lot.

The Civic Center testing site will be open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., and the first and third Saturday of the month from 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

The site offers PCR testing, which is more accurate than rapid antigen testing, but samples must be sent to a lab for analysis. Results are usually available in 36-48 hours. There is no cost for the test, and you do not need an appointment, but pre-registration is required. You can access registration links for all Coastal Health District testing sites at covidtestsavannah.com. For registration assistance, call our COVID-19 testing hotline at 912-230-9744.

The Coastal Health District also offers a drive-through COVID-19 testing site on the Georgia Tech Savannah Campus at 210 Technology Circle. This site is open Monday – Friday from 7 a.m. – 3 p.m. and Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

COVID-19 testing is also available through many area pharmacies, healthcare clinics, urgent care centers, and other providers. Please do not go to a hospital emergency room for testing unless you’re experiencing severe COVID-19 symptoms requiring urgent medical attention. You can use a testing site locator on the Georgia Department of Public Health to see additional testing options, including those outside of public health, at dph.georgia.gov/covidtesting.

Beach Water Advisories Lifted on Tybee Island and St. Simons Island

January 5th, 2022 by CHD Communications

Posted in Chatham News, Glynn News, News |

Updated January 7, 2022:

The Glynn County Health Department has lifted the beach water advisories for North Beach at Goulds Inlet (Fifteenth St. to Tenth St.), East Beach Old Coast Guard Station (Tenth Street to Driftwood Drive), and Fifth Street Crossover Beach (Cedar Street to Ninth Street) on St. Simons Island.

The Chatham County Health Department has lifted beach water advisories for South Beach at Chatham Street (18th Street to Inlet Avenue) and and Strand Beach at the Pier (11th Street to 18th Street) on Tybee Island.

The advisories were issued on January 5, 2022 after routine water quality tests showed a high level of enterococci bacteria which increase the risk of gastrointestinal illness in swimmers.

Subsequent water samples showed the bacteria levels had dropped below Environmental Protection Agency’s recommended limits, therefore, the advisories have been lifted.

The Chatham and Glynn County Health Departments have issued beach water advisories for the following beach locations:

Tybee Island:

  • Strand Beach at the Pier – 11th Street to 18th Street
  • South Beach at Chatham Street – 18th Street to Inlet Ave.

St. Simons Island:

  • North Beach at Goulds Inlet – Fifteenth St. to Tenth St.
  • East Beach Old Coast Guard Station – Tenth St. to Driftwood Dr.
  • Fifth Street Crossover Beach – Cedar St. to Ninth St.
graphic showing the beach water advisory signs [JPG, 2.57 MB]

The Department of Natural Resources – Coastal Resources Division tests water samples at Georgia beaches throughout the year. The test screens for enterococcus (pronounced: en·ter·o·coc·cus) bacteria, which are found in humans and some wildlife.

When a beach is under advisory, it means the level of bacteria found in the water is above the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) recommended standards. Periodic advisories are not unusual, and sources of the bacteria could include animal waste, storm water runoff, or boating waste.

The advisory does NOT mean the beach is closed. Beach water advisories alert the public of a possible risk of illness associated with water contact in the advisory areas. The Health Department recommends you do not swim or wade in the water in the areas under advisory. Fish and other seafood caught from these areas should be thoroughly washed with fresh water and thoroughly cooked before eating, as should fish or seafood caught from any waters.

The areas will be re-tested this week, and the advisories will be lifted when the bacteria levels meet the EPA’s recommended standards. For more information, visit our beach water testing page.

Oral Antiviral COVID-19 Treatments Available at Select Retail Pharmacies

December 30th, 2021 by CHD Communications

Posted in Bryan News, Camden News, Chatham News, COVID-19, Effingham News, Glynn News, Liberty News, Long News, McIntosh News, News |

The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) is announcing the allocation of Merck and Pfizer oral antiviral treatments for COVID-19 to select retail pharmacies in Georgia. Initial supply of Molnupiravir and Paxlovid™ from the federal government is very limited. DPH anticipates additional allocations in the coming weeks as production increases.

Per guidance from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), initial allocations were made to federal pharmacy partners. DPH has partnered with Walmart, Walgreens, and Good Neighbor Pharmacy Group (a group of small independent pharmacies) to ensure coverage across the state. Pharmacies currently allocated treatments can be found on the DPH website at https://dph.georgia.gov/dph-covid-19-guidance.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an emergency use authorization for Molnupiravir by Merck and an emergency use authorization for Paxlovid™ by Pfizer as oral antiviral treatments of COVID-19. Early studies indicate these treatments may reduce severe outcomes from COVID-19 including hospitalization or death. The antivirals are recommended for treatment of individuals who are at high risk for severe COVID-19 or have underlying medical conditions. Both drugs require a prescription and should be initiated as soon as possible after diagnosis of COVID-19 and within five days of symptom onset.

While antivirals may help treat COVID-19, vaccination is the best prevention against COVID infection. Georgians aged 5 and older are eligible for vaccination. Georgians 16 and older are eligible for boosters six months after completing their primary vaccine series of either Moderna or Pfizer (only Pfizer is authorized for booster doses in 16- and 17- year-olds) and two months after their J&J vaccine. For COVID vaccination opportunities by the Coastal Health District, visit chdcovidvax.org.

Basic prevention measures should also be followed to help prevent further spread of COVID and mitigate outbreaks of infection, especially in public settings: wear a mask, physically distance, and wash your hands frequently with soap and water.

Chatham Co. Health Dept. Partners with West Chatham YMCA to Open New Vaccination Clinic in Pooler Dec. 27

December 22nd, 2021 by CHD Communications

Posted in Chatham News, COVID-19, News |

The Chatham County Health Department is opening a new COVID-19 vaccination clinic in Pooler in partnership with the West Chatham YMCA. Beginning Monday, Dec. 27, the new vaccination site will open on the YMCA campus at 165 Isaac G. LaRoche Drive in Pooler.

The site will operate every Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., offering the following FREE vaccinations:

  • Monday & Wednesday: Pfizer (age 12+), Pfizer booster (age 16+), Johnson & Johnson (age 18+), and Johnson & Johnson booster (age 18+)
  • Thursday: Pfizer (age 12+), Pfizer booster (age 16+), Moderna (age 18+), and Moderna booster (age 18+)

Walk-ins are accepted, but appointments are recommended and can be scheduled online at chdcovidvax.org. For assistance with a vaccination appointment, please call our COVID-19 vaccine hotline at 912-230-5506, Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. except for holidays.

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