BRUNSWICK, Ga. — COVID-19 isn’t quite in our rearview mirrors yet.
According to the Georgia Department of Health’s COVID-19 dashboard, case numbers are on the rise for all age groups, young and old.
“We are clearly seeing a pretty significant increase, one that has me really very concerned that if we’re not careful we’re going to find ourselves in another surge,” Southwest Georgia Health System President and CEO Michael Scherneck said.
As for vaccination numbers, the health department reports 39% of Georgia residents are fully vaccinated.
Health officials said the majority of people who are being hospitalized because of COVID-19 are unvaccinated. They also added that the majority of these people are part of a younger age group than the previous surges.
“Remember the vaccination wasn’t to say they were never going to get covid, but you are going to have a lot less of a chance of having some kind of serious reaction to it. So, those things I think are really proving to be true,” Scherneck said.
As school approaches, officials are pushing younger people to get their shots.
“I think kids should be getting vaccinated if they’re 12 and over,” Southeast Georgia Medical System Chief Medical Officer Dr. Alan Brown said.
Health officials said Camden County is seeing a much higher positivity rate than Glynn County.
The health department reports Camden’s positivity rate well over the less than 5% goal. The rate currently sits at more than 21% for the past two weeks’ data.
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Doctors suggest preventive measures need to be taken once again.
“I think people need to get vaccinated as soon as they can if they’re able to. I think if they’re choosing to not get vaccinated, they need to wear a mask in public places,” Dr. Brown.
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