Sheriff Ralston urges citizens to get vaccine
233 new cases and three COVID-19 deaths since Thursday
Sheriff Mitch Ralston is urging residents of Gordon County to go get vaccinated. With rising numbers of COVID-19 infections, his advice is pertinent.
From Thursday through Monday,
Gordon County had 233 new cases and three deaths. Statewide, there were 35,333 new cases and 230 deaths.
“The news from the hospital is deeply disturbing,” said Ralston. “The hospital is, in their own words “overwhelmed” with patients suffering from COVID-19.”
In a press release, Ralston was adamant that citizens have the ability to help curb the spread of COVID-19. He cited vaccines as lessening the severity of infections from the virus.
“As much as this situation is tragic, we have the ability to mitigate and alleviate it,” said Sheriff Ralston. “The medical facts are undisputed: the vaccine prevents infection in most cases and absolutely lessens the severity of the sickness in almost all cases.”
Ralston’s statements are in line with current CDC recommendations, which state that most people 12 and older should get vaccinated against COVID-19. These guidelines also state that individuals two and older who are not fully vaccinated should wear masks, as well as those who are immunocompromised or those who are in areas with high transmission rates.
“I am a devout conservative, a freedom loving American, and a follower of Christ,” said Ralston. “I would never compel anyone to surrender a freedom, but I am in fact addressing a life and death issue.
I love Calhoun and Gordon County and I deeply and sincerely care for everyone here. I urge you to follow your health care providers’ advice and take the vaccine.”
Gordon County remains at a low level of vaccinations with only 31% of residents having been fully vaccinated. This is well below average for Georgia, which touts a 43% fully vaccinated rate, and for the United States as a whole, which sits at around 53%.
Anyone who is currently experiencing symptoms consistent with COVID-19 should be tested, as well as those who have been in close contact, within six feet for ten or more minutes. Those who test positive should self-isolate as per local guidelines and participate in contact tracing.
“Please continue to pray for the people on the front lines fighting COVID-19, the health care professionals and the first responders, as well as all the sick,” Ralston said. “May God Bless You All.”
To schedule a vaccine appointment, log on to dph.georgia.gov/covid-vaccine or call 888-457-0186 for the Health Department Vaccine Scheduling Resource Line.