Following a recent uptick in the number of COVID-19 cases, and reports of the virus’s Delta variant spreading, Forsyth County government leaders met with the County’s Emergency Management Agency Director Chris Grimes, Northside Hospital Forsyth administration and officials with District 2 Public Health on Aug. 2, according to a news release.
“Hearing our local health leaders and partners discuss the increase in positive cases is unsettling,” said Cindy Jones Mills, Forsyth County Chairwoman and District 4 commissioner. “The data shows a growing number of positive cases in our community, primarily among those who are unvaccinated. We will be closely watching the data and will be in growing communication with our health partners.”
Officials with District 2 Public Health and Northside Hospital Forsyth stress the importance of being vaccinated.
Lynn Jackson, administrator of Northside Hospital Forsyth, stressed that the COVID-19 cases admitted to the hospital are primarily from those who are not vaccinated.
“The hospitalized COVID-19 positive cases are significantly on the rise [at Northside Hospital Forsyth],” said Jackson during the meeting. “Of those hospitalized for COVID-19, roughly 85% have not been vaccinated, of those who are positive and vaccinated nearly all have co-morbidities or some other health issues going on.”
Public Health officials asked Jackson about nursing staff availability.
“There are certainly hiring opportunities for nurses, especially in critical care areas,” she said.
The following statistics are from an Aug. 1, Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) report:
- Forsyth County residents fully vaccinated: 108,482 (48% of residents);
- Forsyth County residents with at least one vaccine dose: 117,736 (52% of residents);
- Forsyth County COVID-19 confirmed new daily cases: 74% increase from July 1;
- Northside Hospital Forsyth admissions due to COVID-19: 330% increase since July 26.
*Data provided by Northside Hospital Forsyth
According to the DPH report, which can be found by clicking here, Georgia had 586 positive COVID-19 cases on July 1. The total number of statewide new cases on Aug. 2 was 2,331, an increase of 75%.
COVID-19 vaccines are administered at all District 2 locations, including the Forsyth County Public Health Office at 428 Canton Hwy., during the following date/times.
- 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday, Wednesday, Thursday;
- 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Tuesday;
- 8 a.m. to noon, Friday.
All offices are closed for lunch between 12:30 and 1 p.m. daily.
A full list of locations, dates and times can be found by clicking here. Appointments can be made through the state’s Department of Public Health page by clicking here, although walk-ins are welcome.
“With the COVID-19 Delta variant here and cases on the rise, I made the decision to get the vaccine even after having the virus. We know the vaccine is doing its job, so I did it and you can do it too,” said Mills.
Information on COVID-19 vaccines, provided by Georgia DPH, can be found by clicking here.