Weekly Update for 8.13.21
Breaking Records for Hospitalizations, Transmission, and Testing; Healthcare Leaders Urge Vaccination
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| The latest surge of COVID-19 is breaking records in our area and straining healthcare systems once again. From COVID-19 testing to transmission rates and hospitalizations, most of our counties are seeing their highest numbers yet.
Hospitalizations:
This graph depicts the daily number of COVID-positive inpatients in 6 of our area hospitals since June of last year. As you can see, our regional hospitals are dealing with an enormous influx of hospitalized COVID patients - much higher than previous surges. And because our transmission rates are still climbing, these hospitalization numbers are expected to climb as well. |
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| But of course, they're not just numbers. They're people. Mothers, grandfathers, brothers, daughters. And while some vaccinated people have been hospitalized, a large majority of these inpatients are unvaccinated.
During a joint press conference this week, top area physicians and healthcare workers discussed the impact of COVID-19 on their facilities and their patients, and pled with residents to get vaccinated.
Here are some excerpts from the press conference: |
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| Healthcare Leaders Provide Update on COVID-19 Impacts |
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| Transmission Rates:
Five of the 8 counties in our district hit record high levels of community transmission this week. You can get case numbers and trend data for all 8 counties on our website at covid19.gachd.org.
COVID-19 Testing:
COVID-19 testing capacity has also been strained. Just a few weeks ago, our public health testing sites often saw fewer than 50 people per day for testing. Yesterday, at the public health COVID-19 testing site in the Savannah Civic Center, samples were collected from more than 1,000 people in a single day.
The rapid increase in demand has caused a slowdown at the specimen collection sites. If you plan to get tested at one of our public health sites in Chatham, Glynn, or Camden Counties, here are some important reminders:
- In Savannah, you do not need an appointment for testing. However, online pre-registration is available and will speed up the process at the testing site. Click here for more information and the pre-registration link. The testing site in the Civic Center is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., but may close early if daily capacity is reached.
- In Brunswick, you must have an appointment for testing at the Glynn County Health Department. Testing is available each Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Appointments can be scheduled at https://covid19.dph.ga.gov/.
- In St. Marys, you must have an appointment for testing at the Camden County Health Department. Testing is available each Tuesday and Thursday. Appointments can be scheduled at https://covid19.dph.ga.gov/.
If you need assistance with booking a test at any of our public health sites, 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. You can reach the Testing Call Center at 1-912-230-9744. |
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Update Regarding Third Dose of COVID-19 Vaccine for Immunocompromised Individuals:
Health Departments in Georgia are not yet administering third doses of vaccine, but check our website next week for more information.
Following the FDA’s authorization of an additional COVID vaccine dose for immunocompromised individuals, the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) is now recommending that certain patients with weakened immune systems receive an additional dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccine. The recommendation does not include J&J vaccine recipients at this time.
The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) is awaiting guidance from the CDC that clearly defines what conditions make an individual eligible for an additional dose of vaccine. Once those conditions are known, DPH will establish statewide protocols for health departments administering additional doses of COVID vaccine. Until then, DPH will hold off on administering third doses.
Patients seeking additional doses of vaccine should contact their healthcare provider for guidance and recommendations.
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Say “Yes” Summer Vaccination Events Scheduled in Savannah August 14!
The Coastal Health District and Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) are hosting two unique vaccination events on Saturday, August 14th in Savannah. The Say “YES” Summer events will offer walk-up vaccinations that are free and do not require appointments, insurance, or identification. Participants can also enjoy incentives, entertainment, and art at these pop-up events.
The first event will be held Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Forsyth Farmers Market in Forsyth Park where the first 50 people to be vaccinated will receive a credit to use at the market. Then, from 4 to 8 p.m., vaccinations will be offered at Grayson Stadium during the Savannah Bananas game, where the first 50 recipients will be given free Bananas merchandise.
Click here for more information!
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More Mobile Vaccination Clinics
in the Coastal Health District
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 The Coastal Health District and CORE (Community Organized Relief Effort) offer mobile vaccination clinics throughout our area. The 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.
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- Forsyth Farmer's Market
Forsyth Park tennis courts
2 W. Gaston St., Savannah
Sat., August 14, 9a-1p
- Paynes Chapel AME
2200 Albany St., Brunswick
Sat., August 14, 10-2p
- Savannah Bananas Baseball Game
1401 E. Victory Dr., Savannah
Sat., August 14, 4p-8p
- Trinity United Methodist Church
225 W. President Street, Savannah
Sun., August 15, 11a-2p
- Back 2 School Nite @ Elks Lodge
183 Wilshire Blvd., Savannah
Sun., August 15, 2p-6p
- National Night Out
91 Lanier St., Pembroke
Tues., August 17, 9a - 1p
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- American Legion Post
3003 Rowland Ave, Thunderbolt
Wed., August 18, 12p-5p
- College of Coastal Georgia
1 College Dr., Brunswick
Thurs., August 19, 9a-2p
- Job Fair @ Savannah Civic Center
301 W. Oglethorpe Ave., Savannah
Thurs., August 19, 11a-5p
- First Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church
310 Alice St., Savannah
Fri., August 20, 11a-2p
- Keller's Flea Market
5901 Ogeechee Rd., Savannah
Sat., August 21, 12p-4p
- 2021 GA Highway Safety Conference
2 W. Bay Street, Savannah
Sun., August 22, 2p-5p
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| "Since taking both doses of the vaccine, it gives me a greater sense of safety when I am in public. Safety for myself and for others. This is the only way we can return to family visits and social activities that we all miss so very much."
- Donald Lovette, Chairman, Liberty Co. Board of Commissioners
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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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