Coronavirus cases, hospitalizations rise sharply in Middle Georgia, health dept. says
Bibb and Houston counties set records for new COVID-19 cases reported in a single day as cases rose dramatically across the state.
Positive cases aren’t the only numbers spiking, according to a special report released by the North Central Health District (NCHD), one of 18 health departments across the state that reports to the Georgia Department of Public Health, on Thursday. In late June, hospitalizations increased to their highest total since the beginning of the pandemic.
Between June 28 and July 1, the NCHD reported a 19% increase in positive cases across the 13 counties it represents, which include Bibb, Houston and Peach. That represents “substantial spread,” according to the report, defined as “greater than 100 cases per 100,000 county residents.”
Most individuals who contract COVID-19 are typically between the ages of 35-64, according to data from the NCHD. But since the middle of July, new cases have risen significantly among young people aged 18-34. Cases among children have also increased.
Old habits during a pandemic
On Mondays, the NCHD releases an operations report of data collected over the previous weeks. The report released on June 29 noted substantial spread in Baldwin, Hancock and Putnam counties.
At the time of that report, 69% of hospitalized patients had been released, 19% of positive cases were health care workers, and a majority of deaths and plurality of cases were associated with congregate settings like nursing homes and other long-term care facilities.
“When conducting case investigations, we are seeing many people attending events and gatherings during their infectious period. Things like weddings, graduation parties, engagement parties, community events, vacation spots and sporting events,” NCHD spokesman Michael Hokanson told GPB. “People are going out, spending time with others, then getting a positive COVID-19 test.”
In Bibb County, between June 8-21, new cases among people between 18-24 years old rose dramatically as the county experienced a 115% increase in cases.
“Since June 8, confirmed case counts, as well as emergency room visits associated with COVID-19 and ILI Syndromes, have increased amongst Bibb County residents,” the report read. “The increase in cases cannot be attributed solely to congregate setting outbreaks, however, increases in those settings have been seen during this time. Due to this we are watching the situation closely and working with our partners to ensure that precautions amongst residents are encouraged.”
While Georgia will release COVID-19 reports on Friday and Saturday, the NCHD is closed for testing both days.
Setting the wrong kind of records
The week of June 28 saw a significant increase in local and statewide COVID-19 cases.
- On July 1, 73 new cases were reported in Bibb County, breaking a record from April 15-16. The next day, the record was set again, with 74 new cases.
- On July 2, 36 new cases were reported in Houston County, the most since the beginning of the pandemic
- The state of Georgia set records for new reported coronavirus cases, reporting more than 2,000 new cases in four of five days. The current record was set Thursday, when DPH reported 3,472 new coronavirus cases.
What it means
The rash of new cases has prompted state and local leaders to emphasize the importance of wearing masks and staying six feet apart. Bibb County leaders canceled a Fourth of July celebration and announced the county commission was returning to virtual meetings.
Savannah is requiring people to wear face coverings when in public. While some states, like Texas, are also requiring masks, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp continues to emphasize personal responsibility rather than issuing a statewide mandate. Kemp toured the state this week to encourage Georgians to wear masks.
“I haven’t talked to the legal team about what the Mayor of Savannah (Van R. Johnson II) is doing,” Kemp said during a stop in Columbus. “But we both agree, everyone should wear a mask if they are out in public and can’t socially distance themselves. ...What I’m encouraging mayors to do is show public support for people wearing a mask and socially distancing themselves. That’s the best thing to do.”
