COVID-19 cases are on the rise as the holiday season approaches, but one local organization says there’s still time to get tested and get vaccinated.
Natasha Young, the public information officer for District 2 Public Health says this holiday season can be enjoyed safely if precautions are taken to limit the spread of COVID-19. “There has been a dramatic increase in testing over the past couple of days,” says Young. “We can definitely attribute that to the holiday travel season, along with the emergence of the omicron variant.”
Even with the increase though, the department has not had a supply issue. “We have continued testing and not had any issue with supply and demand. We haven’t experienced that. I can’t speak for other districts, but District 2 has plenty of supplies.”
Many people are now concerned about the omicron variant. District 2 Public health says that, although the Delta variant is still the most prevalent variant in Georgia, accounting for over 90% of cases, the Omicron variant is proving to be a fast-spreading COVID-19 variant. “We are in the discovery phase of the omicron variant and working to get accurate information in Georgia,” says Taylor. “It’s something we are definitely keeping an eye on.”
Taylor says the safest way to protect yourself and your loved ones against any of the variants, is to simply do what has already been prescribed – wear a mask, wash your hands and, “get vaccinated!” she says. “That’s the biggest, most important thing with this new variant. Get that booster, as well.” Taylor says this area of North Georgia is still below the state numbers at around a 45% vaccination rate.
Anyone 16 and older who was vaccinated at least 6 months ago with two doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, or received the J & J vaccine at least 2 months ago, is also now eligible for a booster shot.
According to a press release from the District 2 Public Health, “The continued use of mitigation strategies will reduce the stress on hospitals and healthcare workers, while also keeping elderly and immunocompromised family members safe. If gathering with friends and family who are both vaccinated and unvaccinated, wear a mask, wash your hands and social distance to reduce the chance of spreading or contracting COVID-19.”
Anyone who wishes to get tested or vaccinated can find a full list of locations and hours online at phdistrict2.org. Due to the holidays, all of the departments will have shortened hours. In Franklin and Lumpkin Counties, the health department will close early on Wednesday, Dec. 22, and won’t reopen again until the following Monday after Christmas. Sherwood Plaza in Hall County and Central Park in Forsyth County will be the only testing sites open on Dec. 23rd, but they will be closed for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, along with all other testing sites. Check the website for a complete list of hours. Anyone who is tested should find out results in 1-2 days, even during the holidays.
District 2 Public Health has locations in Banks, Dawson, Forsyth, Franklin, Habersham, Hall, Hart, Lumpkin, Rabun, Stephens, Towns, Union and White Counties. PCR tests are available at six drive-thru testing sites located in Forsyth, Franklin, Hall, Lumpkin, and Union counties.
