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Confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been relatively steady in White County since dropping in February, but officials are hoping more residents will seek vaccination.
Confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been relatively steady in White County since dropping in February, but officials are hoping more residents will seek vaccination.
White County’s seven-day moving average of confirmed COVID-19 cases rose slightly over the past week but remained consistent with recent fluctuations.
The Georgia Department of Public Health’s May 11 status report showed the average at 1.9 daily cases at that time, up some from 1.3 on May 4. Recent figures include 2.3 on April 27, 1 on April 20, and 0.9 on April 13.
For the month of May, there have been 16 confirmed cases through May 11. There were 46 confirmed cases during April, a decrease from the 52 confirmed cases reported during March. (In April 2020 in the early weeks of the pandemic, there were 67 confirmed cases.) Recent monthly totals for White County include 187 in February, 656 in January, and 692 in December.
DPH lists 2,988 total confirmed cases during the pandemic and 67 local deaths attributed to COVID-19.
A May 11 report from the Georgia Department of Public Health showed at least 36% of state residents have had at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, with 29% considered fully vaccinated.
DPH also reported that 13,740 vaccines had been administered in White County. The distribution showed 7.535 residents had received at least one dose – about 26% of the population, with 6,488, residents considered fully vaccinated – about 22% of the population.
“It’s not where we want to be, but we’re certainly thankful for what we do have in White County,” county Public Safety Director David Murphy said Monday.
“We’d like to see 50% of our population vaccinated, at least 50%, that way we can start toward more of this herd immunity you’ve heard [others] talk about.”
While some off-site mass vaccination clinics have ceased as demand has slowed from an initial rush, the White County Health Department is administering vaccines without an appointment at its main office, 1331 Helen Highway in Cleveland. (Policies for other vaccine providers may vary. Please check with your physician’s office or pharmacy.) Health department vaccination hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to noon on Friday.
Murphy emphasized that vaccine supplies are readily available for those who want them.
Fully vaccinated individuals may gather indoors with other fully vaccinated people without wearing a face mask or social distancing, according to CDC guildelines, though the precautions are still recommended in public around crowds.
Gov. Brian Kemp recently lifted virtually all restrictions the governor imposed on businesses more than a year ago when the coronavirus pandemic struck Georgia.
In an executive order that took effect May 1, Kemp eliminated all distancing requirements for bars and restaurants and mask requirements for workers. He also lifted all restrictions covering gyms and fitness centers, movie theaters, body art studios, hairstylists and massage therapists.
The order also relaxed the social distancing and sanitation requirements for residents and visitors to “strongly encouraged.”
The new order will remain in effect through May 30.