Weekly Update for 7.30.21

The Rapid Rise of the Delta Variant

The emerging evidence about the Delta variant shows that it's much more contagious than previous strains. This is partly because people infected with Delta have higher viral loads—meaning more virus in their body—than with previous variants.

So far it appears the vast majority of transmission is occurring between unvaccinated individuals. However, Delta is causing some “vaccine breakthrough infections,” meaning infections in fully vaccinated people. 

New studies suggest that some vaccinated people can be contagious if they get Delta and could transmit the virus to others. That's why, in areas of high transmission like the Coastal Health District, the CDC recommends that all people - including the vaccinated - wear a mask in public indoor settings to prevent spread and protect themselves and others.

If you are vaccinated, the good news is that most breakthrough infections are mild. Vaccines are working as they should—they are preventing severe illness, hospitalizations, and death in those who are fully vaccinated.

But the bad news for all of us is that variants are expected as long as transmission continues, which means we are in a race against time to increase vaccination coverage. High vaccination coverage will reduce spread of the virus and help prevent new variants from emerging. Vaccination is the best way to protect you, your family, and your community.  

Next Week's Mobile Vaccination 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 The pop-up vaccination clinics are open to anyone age 12 and older, and there is no cost for vaccine.

The list below shows events scheduled through next weekend. You can pre-register for an appointment, but walk-ups are also welcome.

Click here to view the complete calendar of scheduled events and other public health vaccination opportunities in the Coastal Health District. 

• Overcoming by Faith
  9700 Middleground Rd., Savannah
  Sat., July 31, 10a-12:30p
• Pop Up Shop
  Benjamin Van Clark Park, Savanah
  Sat., July 31, 12p-5p
• 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

• Cypress Bay Baptist Church
  281 Charles Shuman Rd., Pembroke
  Fri., August 6, 10a-2p
• Connor's Temple Baptist Church
  Amphitheater across street from 509 W. Gwinnett St., Savannah
  Sat., August 7, 9a-11a
• Forsyth Farmer's Market
  Forsyth Park near the tennis courts, 2 West Gaston St., Savannah
  Sat., August 7, 9a-1p
• MedBank
  836 East 65th St., Savannah
  Sat., August 7, 1p-4p

The Coastal Health District offers free COVID-19 testing in three locations. There is no cost for testing, and results are usually available in 24-36 hours.

Savannah/Chatham County
Civic Center @ 301 W. Oglethorpe Ave.
Pre-registration is encouraged but not required. 

• Mon.- Fri., 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
• Every first & third Saturday: 8:30 – 11:30 a.m.

Brunswick/Glynn County
Health Dept. @ 2747 Fourth St.
Appointments are required.

• Monday: 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
• Wednesday: 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
• Friday: 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.

St. Marys/Camden County
Health Dept. @ 905 Dilworth St.
Appointments are required.

• Tuesday: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
• Thursday: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Use the links below to register online for a COVID-19 test: 

Chatham

Glynn/Camden

Or schedule by phone:

1-912-230-9744

The COVID-19 Testing Call Center is open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., and Friday from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. 

Your Vaccine Story

- LaToya Brannen

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!