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Every Home in the United States is eligible for four free COVID tests
White County’s rate of COVID-19 cases hit a record mark last week, as more testing opportunities have become available.
The county’s seven-day moving average of confirmed cases was at 27 cases per day, according to a Jan. 18 update from the Georgia Department of Public Health. That’s down from the county’s record high average of 46.4 reported a week earlier, but still among the highest infection rates the county has experienced.
The state public health update lists 649 confirmed cases diagnosed from PCR testing for the month through Jan. 18. There 174 cases reported in December and 79 in November. State public health reported that 11,351 of the county’s estimated residents are now considered fully vaccinated, around 38% of the population, as of Dec. 28. A total of 12,262 people are listed as having received at least one vaccine dose, about 42% of the population. The report states 4,960 residents have received an additional booster dose.
DPH reports that 54% of Georgians are considered fully vaccinated and 62% have received at least one dose.
White County is shown as having 5,376 confirmed cases diagnosed from PCR testing and 120 confirmed deaths attributed to COVID-19 during the pandemic. (DPH notes only positives from PCR tests are used to identify confirmed cases.) In addition, there have been 423 positives reported from antigen rapid tests and 17 probable COVID-19 deaths, according to DPH.
Federal website launches to order free test kits
President Joe Biden’s administration has rolled out a new website that lets Americans request free COVID-19 testing kits: www.covidtests.gov.
According to the site, every home in the country can order four at-home tests for free, with usually shipping in 7-12 days. The public is encouraged to place their requests now to have tests when they are needed later.
Drive-thru testing sites opens in Habersham
The District 2 Public Health office announced the opening of a drive-thru location at Habersham Medical Center for free PCR testing for COVID-19. (These are not rapid tests, and results are available within 48 hours.)
Testing at the Habersham Medical Center site (541 Historic Highway 441 North in Demorest) will be available on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
No appointment is required, registration with public health partners Mako Medical and LTS Labs is encouraged to decrease wait time. Registration information can be found at phdistrict2.org. The White County Health Department can be reached at 706-865-2191.
Precautions return to county courthouse
The rapid increase in COVID-19 cases has led to requirements for face coverings and social distancing to be implemented at courthouses in the Enotah Judicial Circuit.
Chief Judge Raymond George signed the order Jan. 12, which is set to remain in effect through the end of Jan. 31.