August 11, 2021–9:05 p.m.

STAFF REPORTS

If you have been watching the numbers recently, you will know that we have seen a significant turn in the COVID-19 pandemic over the last few weeks, and not in the direction we’d like to be going.

Dr. Gary Voccio, health director for the 10-county Georgia Department of Public Health Northwest District said we are seeing numbers of confirmed cases and hospitalizations not seen since December and January.

“Some of our hospitals are either on ER or ICU diversion, which is extremely worrisome,” he said.  “We have to be very careful now, and we recommend vaccines for everyone who is eligible.  We are in a very serious community problem with our numbers skyrocketing.”

The Delta variant is also affecting children at a higher rate than previous variants, and the vaccine has not been approved for anyone under the age of 12.

Dr. Voccio recommends what he called “non-pharmaceutical intervention.”

“Children have some difficulty wearing masks, but I recommend wearing masks,” he said.  “You know, there are arguments on both sides but I’m a mask advocate.  They are not very harmful.  You are not going to increase your carbon dioxide.  You’re not going to reduce your oxidation.  There are clear studies in my medical society that show that does not happen.”

Dr. Voccio also said that parents and caregivers of children should consider getting vaccinated so they don’t risk contracting COVID and giving it to their children.