COVID-19 hospitalizations are on the rise in Georgia as the JN-1 variant spreads.
According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Georgia reported an over 70% increase in COVID-related hospitalizations for the week ending in December 30th, one of the highest increases in the nation. This spike in hospitalization numbers is the highest seen since last year.
The JN-1 variant makes up over 60% of reported COVID cases in the Southeast, including Georgia. Though highly transmissible, according to experts, the JN-1 variant does not cause more severe symptoms than other variants. Research suggests that vaccines remain effective at preventing the contraction of the JN-1 variant.
Data from the CDC also reports 20 COVID-related deaths a week in Georgia in early December.
