COVID-19 cases have rapidly increased over the holiday weekend, according to a statement from District 2 Public Health Monday.
The number of cases nearly doubled in Georgia since Friday due to the Omicron variant. The recent spike in cases mirror the first months of COVID-19 infections, according to the statement.
“Vaccination is the most important strategy available to us against COVID-19 variants, but we must also continue to use a layered approach of protection to keep our communities safe and healthy,” said Dr. Zachary Taylor, District 2 Public Health director.
According to the statement, a layered approach means wearing a mask while indoors despite vaccination status; getting a booster if eligible; washing hands often; social distancing when possible; and getting a COVID test if feeling sick or have been around someone who tested positive for COVID-19.
District 2 Public Health has six free COVID-19 drive-thru testing locations: Forsyth, Franklin, Lumpkin, Union and two in Hall County.
Registration is available online and is highly recommended before arriving at the testing site to greatly reduce wait times.
ν To register, visit phdistrict2.org, choose the testing location, and register on the Mako or LTS website by inputting contact information and a valid email address.
Results will be sent to the email address provided within 48 hours.
North Georgia residents are at a greater risk of infection and hospitalization from the Omicron variant, as many communities are less than 50 percent fully vaccinated. In comparison, the state of Georgia has a vaccination rate of 53 percent, according to the statement.
District 2 Public Health officials are urging communities to stay vigilant and use all mitigation strategies available to minimize the burden on hospitals, families and communities.
For more information on COVID-19 vaccinations, testing, and to find district-wide COVID-19 data, visit District 2 Public Health’s website, phdistrict2.org.
Rabun County
-Total positive COVID-19 cases: 2,236
-Percent positive over last two weeks: 7 percent
-Total hospitalizations: 221
-Total deaths: 64
COVID-19 Vaccine
-Vaccines administered: 19,749
-One dose: 8,664 (52 percent of residents)
-Fully vaccinated: 7,999 (48 percent of residents)
COVID-19 cases, vaccination statistics in area counties
District 2 Public Health released the following information about COVID-19 cases and vaccines. Data is cumulative March 2020-present:
Lumpkin County
-Total positive COVID-19 cases: 4,726
-Percent positive over last two weeks: 11.1 percent
-Total hospitalizations: 438
-Total deaths: 94
COVID-19 Vaccine
-Vaccines administered: 28,284
-One dose: 12,824 (40 percent of residents)
-Fully vaccinated: 11,839 (37 percent of residents)
Habersham County
-Total positive COVID-19 cases: 6,702
-Percent positive over last two weeks: 10.5 percent
-Total hospitalizations: 659
-Total deaths: 201
COVID-19 Vaccine
-Vaccines administered: 43,146
-One dose: 20,172 (45 percent of residents)
-Fully vaccinated: 18,396 (41 percent of residents)
Stephens County
-Total positive COVID-19 cases: 4,673
-Percent positive over last two weeks: 11 percent
-Total hospitalizations: 359
-Total deaths: 114
COVID-19 Vaccine
-Vaccines administered: 25,656
-One dose: 11,729 (46 percent of residents)
-Fully vaccinated: 10,759 (42 percent of residents)
Towns County
-Total positive COVID-19 cases: 1,604
-Percent positive over last two weeks: 9.1 percent
-Total hospitalizations: 187
-Total deaths: 70
COVID-19 Vaccine
-Vaccines administered: 15,136
-One dose: 6,518 (56 percent of residents)
-Fully vaccinated: 6,044 (52 percent of residents)
White County
-Total positive COVID-19 cases: 4,653
-Percent positive over last two weeks: 8.5 percent
-Total hospitalizations: 420
-Total deaths: 117
COVID-19 Vaccine
-Vaccines administered: 27,045
-One dose: 12,131 (41 percent of residents)
-Fully vaccinated: 11,225 (38 percent of residents)