11/13/2020
COVID-19 Update – With the sharp increases that White and other Georgia Counties have seen recently in COVID-19 positive cases, Health officials say this should be reinforcing the need for Georgians to continue to be diligent in protecting themselves and others.
The latest figures released Thursday by the Georgia Department of Public Health show White County with 1,082 confirmed cases. The county’s first positive case report was on March 15th, with the highest daily increase on July 31st, when the number jumped up by 26. The number of deaths related to the virus in White County is currently 26, and of those, the numbers are evenly split between male and female, with only 6 of those cases not reported to already have an existing chronic condition, with an average age of 73.
The report also provided nursing home details, with Gateway Nursing Home showing that 34 of their 54 residents tested positive with 7 deaths, as well as 31 staff members who have tested positive as well. The numbers are much lower at Friendship Nursing Home where 6 of their staff members have tested positive; however, there have been no positive test results among their 58 residents at the facility.
Looking at numbers from the surrounding counties; Hall County has the most at 11,361 reported cases and 188 deaths, Habersham County is next at 1,970 cases with 77 deaths. Lumpkin County follows at 1,120 cases and 19 deaths, Union County with 966 cases, 31 deaths, and Towns County 493 cases with 16 deaths.
These numbers show the need for Georgians to help stop the spread by continue to wear masks in public, practice social distancing, wash hands frequently and thoroughly, avoid large gatherings, and get a flu shot.
The CDC, in a major update to its guidance, said Tuesday that a mask protects the person who wears it and not just people near the wearer. The Atlanta-based agency also noted that numerous studies have demonstrated the benefits of “universal masking policies.”
