COVID-19 cases in Athens Clarke County are up by more than 38% over the last week, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
The Georgia Department of Public Health reported 97 COVID-19 cases in Clarke County yesterday. This is the highest number of daily cases reported since January. Hospitalizations are also on the rise. As of this morning, nearly 30% of patients in region E are classified as COVID-19 patients. This is 45% higher than last week. Additionally, 92% of inpatient beds and nearly 99% of ICU beds are occupied. 65% of the region's ventilators are also in use.
Athens Clarke County Mayor Kelly Girtz encourages Athenians to get vaccinated to free up space for non-covid patients who need treatment. "Every bed we can free up because we don't have a Covid patient in it is a bed where we can take care of you if you have a slip and fall.
As of Tuesday, 44.5% of Athens residents have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, according to the Department of Public Health.
The full interview with Mayor Girtz will appear on this week's Athens News Matters. Fridays at 1, Saturdays at 10AM and Sundays at noon.
WUGA's Jessica Wurst reports:
