New data from the District 2 Department of Public Health shows that COVID-19 cases are decreasing across the region, but as we enter the peak of flu season and near the holidays, public health officials encourage getting the flu and COVID-19 vaccines to prevent respiratory virus spread in the coming months.
The data shows that all counties in the region have COVID-19 case positivity rates of 15% or less – a significant drop from August’s spike.
Here are the 2-week positivity rates for counties in the region as of Nov. 9 compared to the August 2021 peak:
- Banks County: 6.9% down from 23.5%
- Dawson County: 4.3% down from 23.3%
- Forsyth County: 4.6% down from 16.9%
- Franklin County: 3.5%, down from 24% positive during the August peak.
- Habersham County: 6.1% down from 25.8%
- Hall County: 5.3% down from 20.9%
- Hart County: 5.3% down from 20.7%
- Lumpkin County: 3.1% down from 24.1%
- Rabun County: 12.9% down from 20.5%
- Stephens County: 6.7% down from 30%
- Towns County: 4.0% down from 26.1%
- Union County: 6.7% down from 31.5%
- White County: 2.5% down from 25.8%
Cases are dropping state-wide, according to the Georgia Department of Public Health’s COVID-19 daily status report.
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Flu and COVID vaccines
This data is encouraging— but it also comes right at the time flu season typically hits its peak and just before holiday travel begins. Public health officials encourage those who have not received their flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine to do so to protect themselves and others against these respiratory viruses that can be deadly.
“We cannot predict the severity of each flu season; however, flu vaccination remains the best way for people to protect themselves, their families and communities from the flu,” said Zachary Taylor, District 2 Public Health Director, in a press release. “Residents who are not vaccinated against COVID-19 and anyone who needs a booster shot, now is a good time to get a COVID-19 vaccination.”
The D2PH says patients can safely get both the flu and COVID-19 vaccines at the same time. Children 5-18 years old are also eligible to receive their COVID-19 vaccine, per new CDC and FDA approval.
A booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine is available for specific groups of adults at high risk of COVID-19 infection who have completed the two-dose series at least 6 months ago.
Those interested in receiving those vaccines from D2PH should contact their county public health office. You can find more information on the flu, COVID-19, vaccines and regional office contact information on their website here.
This article has been updated
