The total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Gilmer County increased by a larger number during the weeks of July 2 and 9 than in the preceding two weeks, according to reports from the North Georgia Health District and the Gilmer Health Department.
Public health testing data shows a sudden spike in confirmed cases between July 2 and 9, compared to the previous weeks of June 18 and June 25.
Fifteen confirmed cases were added to the total number between June 18 and July 2. Between July 2 and 9, 26 new cases were reported, bringing the total number of positive cases by then to 216.
By last Friday, public health had reported an additional 10 positive cases in the county.
“That is an increase of 36 cases in just over a week,” said Dr. Zachary Taylor, Health Director of North Georgia Health District 1-2, which includes Gilmer and five other north Georgia counties. “Considering the protective measures and proactive precautions against coronavirus that have been readily available and promoted by the CDC and public health, transmission of this virus should be decreasing in our communities, certainly not increasing.”
By Tuesday, July 14, Gilmer’s total number of confirmed cases had jumped again to 257, according to the Georgia Department of Public Health’s daily COVID-19 report.
Public health officials are concerned the main cause for the increase could be that more people are attending large gatherings. In a statement issued last Friday, the North Georgia Health District encouraged anyone who recently attended such events as church revivals or any other large gatherings in the county to get tested for the virus.
At the county, district and state levels, Georgia Public Health is urging people to get tested for COVID-19, said Jennifer King, the health district’s public information officer. The public health-administered tests are provided for free, she confirmed.
“We want residents to know how much this is spiking in their community so they will take the appropriate actions, whether it’s getting tested — especially if they were in some type of large local gathering recently or in contact with someone over the past 14 days that they know is positive for the virus — or taking measures to protect themselves and prevent the virus from spreading to others,” King said.
“We are attempting to prevent further spread of transmission through contact tracing and repeatedly reminding residents of the critical need to always wear a mask in public, wash their hands frequently or use hand sanitizer, avoid large crowds, social distance away from others by at least six feet, avoid physical contact with others by not shaking hands or giving hugs and stay home and call their doctor if they feel they may have symptoms of COVID-19 or have been in close contact with someone who tested positive over the past 14 days,” she added.
The total numbers of confirmed coronavirus cases, hospitalizations and deaths span from when the public health department began tracking cases in Georgia earlier this year, King noted. Out of the 257 total cases in Gilmer, public health data shows there have been 26 hospitalizations and two deaths.
Since the virus can have a two-week incubation period, it’s not yet known how much of an impact July Fourth travel and gatherings will have on the amount of confirmed cases, noted Krystal Sumner, Gilmer Health Department nurse manager, last week.
Local testing numbers also up
Sumner said the average number of coronavirus tests usually conducted at a drive-thru clinic in Gilmer is around 50.
By last Thursday afternoon, 200 people had already made an appointment to be tested at a drive-thru clinic the following day, she noted.
“Initially it was less (people getting tested), but it’s picked back up as cases have picked back up,” Sumner said.
Drive-thru testing is now being offered three days a week in Gilmer. There were two testing days here each week, but, after the recent spike in local cases, a third day, Wednesday, was added to the schedule, Sumner confirmed.
“Each of our district’s health departments have testing days. Right now, in Gilmer, we’re doing testing from 9 a.m.-noon Monday, Wednesday and Friday at the ETC Pavilion. It’s better for wait times to have an appointment, but, if people cannot get through to the call center for some reason they’re more than welcome to come out and we will try our best to accommodate them,” Sumner said. “Even residents who are asymptomatic can receive the free testing we offer. Knowing who is carrying the virus helps public health get ahead of transmission and prevent the virus from spreading further.”
A COVID-19 community outreach team, which includes personnel from the health department, Gilmer Public Safety, Gilmer County Schools and several other local entities, is trying to raise awareness of the virus and prevention steps particularly among the Hispanic community, King noted.
“Because the number of cases in our Hispanic/Latino population in Gilmer County is disproportionately high, local public health is working with community leaders, partners, churches and schools to increase outreach to this community. They have utilized several methods and venues to share bilingual materials with the public and have even provided free face masks,” she added.
A complete weekly COVID-19 testing schedule for the North Georgia Health District can be found online at NGHD.org. The number to call to make an appointment for testing is 1-888-881-1474.
“Gilmer has their own testing site times, but we also have other sites in our nearby counties. Some residents may find it more convenient to register for an appointment at one of those,” King said.