Weekly Update for 7.16.21
COVID-19 Cases and Hospitalizations on the Rise
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| If you stopped tracking local COVID-19 transmission rates in early summer, when the spread was rapidly slowing and hospitalizations were low, you might think our area is still enjoying a post-COVID return to normal.
Unfortunately, there is nothing "post-COVID" about current trends.
Transmission rates are rising again throughout our District, and rising sharply in some communities. Six of our 8 counties now have transmission rates in the "high" category. In Camden County, where the vaccination rate is under 30%, the COVID case rate has tripled in just the last two weeks. |
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| Hospitalizations are increasing, too. “We are very concerned about the increase in the number of positive COVID-19 cases and the number of hospitalized patients,” said Michael D. Scherneck, president and CEO of the Southeast Georgia Health System. “We had hoped when the vaccine became available to everyone over age 12 we’d see a dramatic reduction in the number of positive cases. Our numbers did decline for a few weeks, but now our COVID-19 volumes have risen again.”
There are likely several reasons for the increases. “People are gathering and traveling more, there are fewer restrictions in place, and the more contagious delta variant is circulating,” said Angela Hartley, Clinical Director for the Coastal Health District. “When you combine these factors and our low vaccination rate, it’s not surprising to see this jump in cases. We really need more people to get vaccinated.”
 Free COVID-19 vaccine is available at every county health department in the Coastal Health District, at various mobile clinics, at many local healthcare facilities, and at many pharmacies.
For information about vaccination opportunities with the Coastal Health District, visit chdcovidvax.org or call 912-230-5506.
Pfizer vaccines are available on the Southeast Georgia Health System Camden Campus each Monday from 8 am-1 pm, and on the Brunswick Campus each Tuesday from 8 am-1 pm. Appointments can be scheduled online atsghs.org/covid19-vaccine.
For other vaccination locations, visit vaccinefinder.org.
“For those of the ‘wait and see’ mindset, we urge you to get the vaccine now,” said Scherneck. “Even if you believe you’re healthy enough to withstand the illness, get the vaccine to protect your loved ones and your community.” |
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Mobile Clinics in the Coastal Health District
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The Coastal Health District and CORE (Community Organized Relief Effort) have several mobile vaccination clinics scheduled in the coming weeks.
These pop-up vaccination clinics are open to anyone age 12 and older, and there is no cost for vaccine. You can pre-register for an appointment, but walk-ups are also welcome.
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- MedBank
836 East 65th St., Savannah
Saturday, July 17, 1p-4p
- Paynes Chapel AME
2200 Albany St., Brunswick
Sunday, July 18, 10a - 2p
- Shuman Recreation Center
800 Tupelo Trail, Hinesville
Mon. & Tues., July 19 & 20, 9a-2p
- Keller's Flea Market
5901 Ogeechee Rd., Savannah
Sat., July 24, 12p-4p
- National Night Out
91 Lanier St., Pembroke
Tues., July 27, 6p-8p
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- Cypress Bay Baptist Church
281 Charles Shuman Rd., Pembroke
Wednesday, July 28, 10a-2p
- Jasper Spring Church
62 Smith Ave., Savannah
Saturday, July 10, 1p-4p
- IGA Supermarket
84 U.S. 84, Ludowici
Wed., August 4, 9a-1p
- College of Coastal Georgia
1 College Drive, Brunswick
Thursday, August 19, 9a-2p
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| "I was part of the COVID-19 vaccine clinical trial because I knew it would help others. I got the actual vaccine several months ago and I’m alive and well. I truly believe the vaccine is going to save lives. A lot of my friends and family have had the virus and some have died from it. Please get vaccinated."
- Griffin Lotson |
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Tell us your vaccine story!
If you've received the COVID-19 vaccine, why was that the right choice for you? We'd like to hear your COVID-19 vaccine story. We may share it here and at YourVaccineStory.com to help inform and inspire others.
Click the button below and tell us Your Vaccine Story! |
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Ask an Expert: Are COVID-19 vaccines right for me?
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| Savannah physician Dr. Bonzo Reddick answers questions about why COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective for everyone–especially Black and Latinx communities. |
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