Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms now eligible for testing

Referral still required

HOLLI DEAL SAXON/staff

Statesboro Herald

Published: Apr 17, 2020, 12:07 AM

As the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Bulloch County rose to 23 Thursday, the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) expanded testing availability to include residents experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.

Those who want to be tested will still have to get a referral from the local health department or their health care provider, but testing is no longer restricted to those considered “at risk,” said Bulloch County Public Safety/Emergency Management Agency Director Ted Wynn.

The Georgia Department of Health (DPH) specimen collection center at the Kiwanis Ogeechee Fairgrounds on Highway 67 is open weekday until 5 p.m. and now on Saturdays from 9 a.m. until noon.

“All symptomatic individuals will be eligible for COVID-19 testing,” he said. Symptoms may include fever, loss of taste and smell, dry cough, shortness of breath and headache.

Due to the dangers of their professions, as well as close proximity to a large number of people, “Health care workers, first responders, law enforcement and long-term care facility residents and staff will still be prioritized for testing regardless of whether they are or are not symptomatic,” he said.

Locally, efforts to help those in need continue through volunteers such as Christian Social Ministries (CSM) and Bulloch County VOAD (Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster.) Bulloch County Schools feeds around 2,500 students daily, handing out packets with two meals each, and Bulloch County Public Safety/EMA continues working with the state to secure a supply of personal protective equipment for an ongoing need, Wynn said.

As of Wednesday, there had been only one fatal case of COVID-19 reported in Bulloch County. There were five patients being treated at East Georgia Regional Medical Center who are positive for coronavirus. Bulloch County EMS had transported 5 COVID positive patients as of Wednesday, “as well as seven probable positives,” he said.

Across Georgia Wednesday, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases reached 15,368, with 3,260 hospitalized. The death toll was 617, according to the Georgia Department of Public Health’s website.

33rd Annual Southern Cruisers Car Show set for March 22

Event will be 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Kiwanis Fairgrounds

From staff reports

Published: Mar 13, 2025, 8:49 PM

The 33rd annual Southern Cruisers Spring Classic Car Show will help provide funds for two local children suffering serious health challenges.

The car show set for Saturday, March 22, at the Kiwanis Ogeechee Fairgrounds brings participants from all across the region to display their cars, trucks, motorcycles and tractors, whether they are restored classics or customized newer models.

The nonprofit organization's charity show raises money each year for families with significant medical issues, and this year, Sydney Walker of Twin City and Amdyn "Scottie" Aldrich of Statesboro will be the beneficiaries of donations.

Four-year-old Sydney was diagnosed recently with leukemia, while Scottie is coping with a congenital heart defect called Truncus Arteriosus. Eight-week-old Scottie had two open heart surgeries within seven days after being born and she will require more surgery in the near future.

Scottie Aldrich — 8-week-old Amdyn "Scottie" Aldrich

More than 200 vehicles are expected at the March 22 show. The event begins with registration for participants at 8 a.m., and judging will be from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m.

Door prizes will be awarded from 1-3 p.m. and awards are at 3 p.m., with admission at $5 per person. Children under 12, military families with identification and handicapped visitors are admitted free.

There will be awards given to the top 40 entries, dash plaques and specialty trophies. A Car Corral will feature vehicles for sale, and visitors will enjoy a silent raffle 50/50 cash drawing, concessions and more.

Because music will be aired, no personal music is allowed at the family-oriented event.

The registration fee for entries is $25. To include a car or truck for sale in the Car Corral will be $10. The cost for vendors, including the Swap Meet, is $50 per booth. Call (912) 764-3523 or (912) 541-0428 to reserve a space.

Southern Cruiser members will have their cars on display but will not be included in judging.

For more information, visit www.statesborocruisers.org