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COVID-19 update
Rabun County’s COVID-19 community transmission level is classified as high, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data tracker, as of Tuesday.
According to the data, 3,638 people in Rabun County are fully vaccinated. This is 21.2 percent of the total population.
Rabun County’s population is estimated as 17,137.
At least one dose has been administered to 3,930 people, or 22.9 percent of the total population. In the age group 18 and older, 3,778 people, or 26.4 percent, have received one dose of the vaccine. In that same group, 3,534, or 24.7 percent, have been fully vaccinated.
In the age group 65 and older, 1,821 people, or 37.8 percent, have received at least one dose of the vaccine. In that same group, 1,778, or 36.9 percent, are fully vaccinated.
According to the data tracker, 1,975 counties in the United States, or 61.34 percent, are classified with high levels of COVID-19 community transmission.
Stats in surrounding counties
Habersham County:
Habersham County’s COVID-19 community transmission level is classified as high, according to the CDC data tracker, as of Tuesday.
According to the data, 5,532 people in Habersham County are fully vaccinated. That is 12.2 percent of the population. Habersham County’s population is estimated as 45,328.
At least one dose of the vaccine has been administered to 5,944 people, or 13.1 percent, of the population.
Towns County:
Towns County’s COVID-19 community transmission level is classified as high, according to the CDC data tracker, as of Tuesday.
According to the data, 842 people in Towns County have been fully vaccinated. That is 7 percent of the population. Towns County’s population is estimated at 12,037.
At least one dose of the vaccine has been administered to 921 people, or 7.7 percent, of the population.
Stephens County:
Stephens County’s COVID-19 community transmission level is classified as high, according to the CDC data tracker, as of Tuesday.
According to the data, 1,732 people in Stephens County have been fully vaccinated. That is 6.7 percent of the population. Stephens County’s population is estimated at 25,925.
Data for at least one dose received was not available at press time.
White County:
White County’s COVID-19 community transmission level is classified as high, according to the CDC data tracker, as of Tuesday.
According to the data, 1,922 people in White County have been fully vaccinated. That is 6.2 percent of the population. White County’s population is estimated as 30,798.
At least one dose of the vaccine has been administered to 1,953 people, or 6.3 percent, of the population.
Masks recommended in county facilities
Rabun County Public Library officials said masks are “highly recommended” while in the facility, as per CDC guidelines.
“We’re not requiring masks, but we are recommending them because it follows CDC guidelines,” said Dyana Costello Banks.
She said that they are not required in the library because there is no requirement from the state of Georgia.
Banks said that hand sanitizer is available in the library and there is a new self-checkout station patrons can use.
She said that the library is continuing to operate normal business hours, Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Commissioner Scott Crane said that since COVID numbers have increased, officials are recommending mask wearing in all county facilities.
“We are following CDC guidelines which recommend masks, but do not require masks,” Crane said.
He clarified it’s for everyone, vaccinated or unvaccinated.
“We want to be welcoming to people and we want to keep them safe,” Crane said about why they are recommending masks.
Crane said that since the state of Georgia is not under a state of emergency, the county is following CDC guidelines.
COVID cases at Rabun County Schools
“Last year, we [Rabun County Schools] had 70 COVID-19 cases that required 1,006 student quarantines,” said Superintendent April Childers in a statement. “Out of the 1,006, only two students tested positive during the quarantine period.”
Childers encouraged parents to keep children at home when they are sick or awaiting COVID test results.
“We anticipate less quarantines this year and hope to keep our students in school every day they are healthy,” Childers said.
Rabun County Schools are back in session Aug. 11.
Statewide COVID cases
The Georgia Department of Public Health reported, as of Tuesday, 942,887 confirmed COVID cases, 18,750 confirmed deaths, 67,309 hospitalizations, 11,425 ICU admissions, 251,881 antigen positive cases and 2,973 probable deaths.
COVID-19 Hotline: 844-442-2681
COVID-19 Vaccine Hotline: 888-357-0169