Gilmer County added 103 cases to its COVID-19 (coronavirus) count between July 13 and July 20.
According to the Georgia Department of Public Health website, Gilmer County climbed to 360 confirmed coronavirus cases as of July 20. It is a significant increase for a county this size.
“I would not say we have seen its peak,” said Dr. Zachary Taylor, Health Director of North Georgia Health District 1-2 of the Georgia Department of Public Health, which includes Gilmer County. “It’s critical that the community work to reduce transmission.”
Dr. Taylor said the spike began with several public gatherings including a revival and some church services. People who were infected at these events spread the virus before they realized they were infected or developed symptoms and it ballooned out.
What the community does now will determine the size of the coronavirus spike in Gilmer County, according to Taylor.
“You’re either going to defeat this virus by changing your behavior, or you’re not, plain and simple,” Taylor said. “The virus is going to spread and replicate as long as people don’t change their behavior.”
Critical to bringing the viral spread under control is avoiding large gatherings, according to Taylor.
It only takes one infected person in a large gathering to spread it to several others. Before they become symptomatic they can spread it to many others.
“I would recommend churches go to virtual services for the time being,” Taylor said.
He recommends wearing masks in public, which is endorsed by Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp. President Donald Trump tweeted his support for masks, saying wearing them is “patriotic.”
Masks mainly protect other people in the case you have the virus but are asymptomatic, Taylor said.
“I strongly recommend people wear masks while they are in public,” he said. “We are really talking about when you are in an enclosed space with other people.”
When outside and maintaining distance from others, masks are not as important, he said.
Social distancing is another part of the equation. Taylor said even when wearing a mask, people should still maintain social distancing from each other.
These go along with washing hands and sanitizing areas regularly.
Taylor said a final part is staying away from people when feeling ill and quarantine when asked by the health department.
Recently, Gilmer County Schools had to suspend practice for sports teams because of possible contacts and some positive coronavirus tests.
Taylor said the decision about school sports can be tough for parents. There are a lot of benefits from students participating in sports and schools are taking measures to protect the athletes.
Players cannot wear masks while participating in sports and some sports, like football and wrestling, put athletes in close contact.
Parents need to be aware there are risk despite the precautions, Taylor said.
If athletes can avoid close indoor contact, such as in locker rooms, it would help, he said. They should definitely be kept home if exhibiting any signs of illness.
Recommendations are being provided by the health department to local school systems about opening school, Taylor said.
“I know everyone wants their children to go to school,” Taylor said.
Much of what happens with schools will hinge on the community.
“It’s critical that the community work to reduce transmission,” `Taylor said. “You’re the only people who can.”