December 22, 2021–3:10 p.m.

GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH

We are seeing an increase in COVID-19 cases in Georgia.

Statewide, there were 5,796 new cases and 40 confirmed deaths reported on Wednesday by the Georgia Department of Public Health.

Although the Delta variant is the main strain, Omicron variant cases are growing statewide.

Locally, Floyd County reported 37 new cases.

Bartow recorded 70 new cases while Gordon County had 3, Chattooga County reported 2, and Polk County 15.

No additional deaths were reported in our area Wednesday.

Vaccination rates in Northwest Georgia remain behind the statewide rates.

53% of Georgians are fully vaccinated.  27% of those have had the additional dose.

In Floyd County, 43% of the population is fully vaccinated.  Of those, 30% have had the booster.

Bartow, Gordon, and Chattooga all report 38% fully vaccinated with 27% of those in Bartow having received the third dose.  That number was 28% in Gordon County, and 30% in Chattooga County.

Polk County has a vaccination rate of 39% with 28% having a third dose.