Coastal Health District is warning area residents Camden County's COVID-19 transmission rate is higher now than it has been during any previous point in the pandemic — even higher than the post-holiday surge in January.
Coastal Health District is warning area residents Camden County's COVID-19 transmission rate is higher now than it has been during any previous point in the pandemic — even higher than the post-holiday surge in January. Additionally, COVID-19 case rates are still climbing rapidly in the Coastal Health District, and now all eight of the district’s counties are experiencing high levels of transmission.
Nationwide, COVID-19 cases have increased over 300% in just one month, from mid-June to mid-July, said the district’s weekly COVID update. Health experts believe this latest surge is driven primarily by the Delta variant of the virus that causes COVID-19.
“The emerging evidence about the Delta variant shows that it's much more contagious than previous strains,” stated the release, issued July 30. “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, according to health district medical officials. However, Delta is causing some “vaccine breakthrough infections,” meaning infections in fully vaccinated people, it said.
“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 (Centers for Disease Control) 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, the district report said.
“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,” health officials warned. “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.”
In addition to health department, Southeast Georgia Health System and commercial pharmacies that are already available throughout the week, a mobile vaccine clinic has been set up for 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 6 at St. Marys First Presbyterian Church, 100 Conyers St. West, St. Marys.
Free COVID testing is available at the Camden County Health Department, 905 Dilworth St., from 9 a.m. to noon on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Appointments are required and can be made by calling (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.