COVID-19 infections creeping upward again in White County

The rate of new COVID-19 infections in White County has risen over the past two weeks since hitting a recent low.

The county’s seven-day moving average of confirmed cases was at 8.1 cases per day, according to a Nov. 22 update from the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH). That’s up from 0.9 on Nov. 15 and 0.6 on Nov. 9.

That 8.1 average is the county’s highest since it was at the same mark Sept. 30, as the rate was steadily dropping from the high point of 39.3 reported Sept. 8 this year.

Last year, the county saw a spike in confirmed cases begin in November and carry through February.

DPH lists White County as having 4,528 confirmed cases diagnosed from PCR testing and 115 confirmed deaths attributed to COVID-19 during the pandemic. In addition, there have been 344 positives reported from antigen tests and 17 probable COVID-19 deaths, according to DPH.

Meanwhile, state public health reported that 11,031 of the county’s estimated residents are now considered fully vaccinated, around 37% of the population, as of Nov. 22. A total of 11,922 people are listed as having received at least one vaccine dose, about 40% of the population.

DPH reports that 51% of Georgians are considered fully vaccinated and 58% have received at least one dose.

Anyone considering getting the vaccine for themselves or their child is encouraged to speak with their physician or pediatrician. Vaccine providers include medical practices, pediatric practices, family medicine practices, pharmacies and public health clinics.

The White County Health Department is accepting walk-ins and appointments for both COVID-19 and flu vaccines. Check for hours by calling 706-865-2191.

To find additional COVID vaccination locations, visit dph.georgia.gov/ covid-vaccine.