COVID-19 spread slows in parts of NW Georgia

COVID-19 is still spreading at a high rate in across Northwest Georgia, despite ongoing vaccinations, with neighboring Bartow County showing higher numbers than surrounding counties.

In Gordon County, from Thursday at 3 p.m. until Sunday at 3 p.m., confirmed cases increased by 21 with one new reported death. An additional four new cases were reported by 3 p.m. Monday with no new deaths. At the same time statewide, those numbers increased by 3,218 with 92 reported deaths with Monday numbers reporting 534 new reported cases and 26 new deaths.

Floyd and most nearby counties were averaging under 165 new cases per 100,000 people last week, according to the CDC Data Tracker. In Bartow, it was over 230.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention classifies both rates as a high level of community transmission.

The COVID Data Tracker shows just four South Georgia counties with the spread relatively under control. A swath down the eastern side of the state — and south below the Gnat Line — is a “moderate spread” zone. The rest of the Georgia counties are listed as having either a substantial or high rate of spread.

“School administrators, working with local public health officials, should assess the level of community transmission to understand the burden of disease in the community,” the CDC’s school operational guidelines state.

“The higher the level of community transmission, the more likely that SARS-CoV-2 will be introduced into the school facility from the community, which could lead to in-school transmission if layered prevention strategies are not in use.”

The CDC’s latest report looks at cases through Friday, with a weekly analysis.

The Georgia Department of Public Health Daily Status Report presents