Weekly Update for 7.23.21

High Transmission Rates, the Delta Variant, and How You Can Respond

We're seeing increased transmission across all 8 of our coastal counties, seven of which have transmission levels in the "high" category.

Nationwide, the Delta variant is now the dominant strain of coronavirus in new infections, and research indicates this variant spreads much, much faster than the original virus.

Our vaccines are doing what they're supposed to do - preventing many infections, lowering the viral load in vaccinated individuals who do get infected, and keeping the vast majority of vaccinated people out of the hospital and off ventilators.

But no vaccine is 100% effective, and we are experiencing some "breakthrough" cases in vaccinated individuals. While most of the people currently hospitalized with COVID are unvaccinated, even some vaccinated people have been admitted to the hospital as well. 
  

So What Should I Do?

If you're 12 years old or older and haven't yet been vaccinated, you probably know what we're going to say next.

Get vaccinated. Please. 

Millions of people have been safely vaccinated. Vaccines are free and readily available. Vaccines offer strong protection from the worst COVID complications and reduce the likelihood you'll spread COVID in the community.

If you are 12 years of age or older, please visit your family doctor, a pharmacy, a health clinic, or the health department to get vaccinated. If your doctor doesn’t have the vaccine, you can come to the health department any time we are open, and you do not need an appointment to get the COVID vaccine.
  

Should I Wear a Mask?

We know masking works as part of a layered strategy to prevent the spread of illness. If you haven't yet been vaccinated, masks are strongly recommended.

And even though the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) says fully vaccinated individuals don’t have to wear a mask in most situations, there are caveats.

The CDC acknowledges that even fully vaccinated individuals should consider wearing a mask if community transmission rates are high, particularly in crowded outdoor settings and for activities with close contact with other unvaccinated people.

If you are fully vaccinated and have a condition or are taking medications that weaken your immune system, you may need to keep taking steps to protect yourself, like wearing a mask. Talk to your healthcare provider about steps you can take to manage your health and risks. 

Mobile Clinics in the Coastal Health District

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.

• 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
   
• Cypress Bay Baptist Church
  281 Charles Shuman Rd., Pembroke
  Wed., July 28, 10a-2p
   
• Thrive Early Learning Center
  465 Harris Trail Rd., Richmond Hill
  Fri., July 30, 2p-6p
   
• Overcoming by Faith
  9700 Middleground Rd., Savannah
  Sat., July 31, 10a-12:30p
   
• Cooper Center
  700 Davis Ave., Garden City
  Sat., July 31, 1p-4p

• IGA Supermarket
  84 U.S. 84, Ludowici
  Wed., August 4, 9a-1p
   
• St. Marys First Presbyterian Church
  100 Conyers St. West, St. Marys
  Fri., August 6, 10a-1p
   
• MedBank
  836 East 65th St., Savannah
  Sat., August 7, 1p-4p
   
• Paynes Chapel AME
  2200 Albany St., Brunswick
  Sat., August 14, 10a - 2p
   
• College of Coastal Georgia
  1 College Drive, Brunswick
  Thurs., August 19, 9a-2p

Your Vaccine Story

- Cornell Harvey, Mayor of Brunswick

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!