Clarke County is at a high COVID transmission rate as of this week with a 7-day case rate of 106 per 100,000 people. There were 136 new coronavirus cases reported for the week of Dec. 14-20, a 20% increase from the previous reporting week.
UGA reported 49 positive tests through its voluntary case tracker, DawgCheck, for Dec. 13-19
Globally, signs point to a fifth surge of the disease. The omicron variant is spreading rapidly, and healthcare professionals in Georgia have warned state leaders that mask mandates, social distancing requirements and increased testing infrastructure could prevent massive disruptions if implemented quickly.
But Governor Brian Kemp isn’t making any moves yet. At an event on Monday, the AJC reported that Kemp was not keen on any new approaches, saying the state was “still holding our own.” Meanwhile, Atlanta is back to requiring masks indoors.
Hospitals in Athens and surrounding counties are experiencing higher inpatient bed use, though emergency levels haven’t been reached. There were 31 new hospital admissions in Athens from Dec. 14-20.
According to an alert on Tuesday from the Athens-Clarke County Government, the Department of Public Health recommends getting a booster shot, wearing masks, avoiding crowds and getting tested regardless of vaccination status.
