Precaution urged as new COVID-19 variant arrives in U.S.

The rate of new COVID-19 infections in White County slowed over the past week, but Georgia public health officials continue to urge residents to get vaccinated as the Omicron variant of the coronavirus has emerged.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced Dec. 1 that the new variant had been detected in California in a traveler who returned from South Africa on Nov. 22. Despite the detection of Omicron, Delta remains the predominant strain in the United States, the CDC said.

The Georgia Department of Public Health said scientists are studying the variant to determine how quickly and easily it spreads, whether it causes more severe illness and how well the current COVID vaccines will protect against it. Both the CDC and DPH emphasized the need for vaccination and prevention measures.

“What is known is that COVID vaccination helps stop transmission of infection which prevents new variants from emerging,” state Public Health Commissioner Dr. Kathleen Toomey said Nov. 26. “Vaccination is more important than ever with the emergence of this new variant and the holidays just around the corner.”

White County's seven-day moving average of confirmed cases was at 1.6 cases per day, according to a Nov. 29 update from DPH. That’s down from 8.1 on Nov. 22, but higher than recent averages of 0.9 on Nov. 15 and 0.6 on Nov. 9.

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

DPH lists White County as having 4,548 confirmed cases diagnosed from PCR testing and 

115 confirmed deaths attributed to COVID-19 during the pandemic. In addition, there have been 348 positives reported from antigen tests and 17 probable COVID-19 deaths, according to DPH.

Meanwhile, state public health reported that 11,060 of the county’s estimated residents are now considered fully vaccinated, around 38% of the population, as of Nov. 29. A total of 11,965 people are listed as having received at least one vaccine dose, about 41% of the population.

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

All Georgians over the age of 5 are now eligible for COVID vaccination. Booster doses of vaccine are recommended for adults 18 and older who have completed their first series of vaccine.

DPH says individuals who have symptoms of COVID or who may have been exposed to someone with COVID should get tested. Based on available data, PCR testing can detect the presence of the Omicron variant.

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 a COVID vaccine or COVID testing location near you log on to dph.ga.gov.