Vaccinations and boosters urged as new COVID-19 cases spike across Georgia
COVID-19 cases are up dramatically over the last week in Georgia. Health officials say the spike is linked to the latest virus subvariant, confirmed by the Atlanta-based U.S. Centers for Disease Control as the predominant strain driving COVID-19 infections across the country and in Georgia.
Data released recently by the CDC show the Omicron subvariant known as BA.5 transmits from person to person easily. And epidemiologists say it’s also notably better at resisting antibodies.
This new pandemic reality is reflected in Georgia’s latest weekly COVID-19 numbers.
The state has added 27,820 new confirmed cases in the last seven days — that’s up by almost 7,000 over the week before. As of July 6, 2022, the state counted 21,028 new COVID-19 cases.
The case data is an undercount since so many people are testing for the virus at home.
And, 1,185 people are hospitalized with the disease as of this week, an increase in COVID-19 hospitalizations in Georgia of around 20%.
With infections again spreading fast, top state health officials say it’s critical to be up to date on vaccinations.
For help scheduling a shot, call the Georgia Department of Health‘s helpline at 888-457-0186.
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