COVID-19 Cases on the Rise

According to Georgia Department of Health statistics published November 23, Jasper County’s current presumptive COVID-19 cases (179) total nearly 70 percent of the confirmed cases (269).

There has been a 73 percent increase in COVID-19 cases during the current two week period ending November 22 which reflects a 271 incidence rate per 100,000 population versus the previous two week period ending November 15 which reflected an incidence rate of 157 per 100,000 population. Simply put—the case numbers are rising.

Nationwide, in a ranking of states according to their hospitals health care capacity Georgia was sixth on the list as of November 13. States with the highest rankings are considered least prepared for hospital capacity. Georgia has 0.29 intensive care unit (ICU) beds per 1,000 people with 2.38 doctors per 1,000 people. Georgia’s hospital ICU beds are currently at 82 percent capacity.

As of November 20, Jasper County Charter Schools (JCCS) has confirmed 12 new COVID cases involving employees and five new cases involving students. The total number of employees placed in quarantine due to exposure is 28 as of November 23 and that number will drop to two on November 30 when Jasper County Middle School reopens for in-person learning following the Thanksgiving hiatus. The total number of students in quarantine as of November 23 is 210 and that number will reduce to 47 next Monday.

Residents are encouraged to follow health safety protocols throughout the Thanksgiving holiday.