The Georgia Department of Public Health’s most recent COVID-19 epidemiology update dated July 25 reported a substantial spread of COVID-19 within the 13-county North Central Health District.
The North Central Health District includes: Baldwin, Bibb, Crawford, Hancock, Houston, Jasper, Jones, Monroe, Peach, Putnam, Twiggs, Washington, and Wilkinson counties.
According to the Georgia Department of Public Health, Washington County has reported 11 confirmed polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tested cases over the last two weeks. This equates to 54 cases per 100,000 population over the last two weeks.
A breakdown of cases, PCR and Antigen, for the month of July based on information obtained from the Georgia Department of Public Health concerning Washington County is as follows:
– A total of 16 PCR tested confirmed cases in July
– A total of 13 Antigen positive cases in July
The combined PCR and Antigen case totals for the month of July is 29 in Washington County.
According to the North Central Health District, COVID-19 testing is conducted at healthcare providers, hospitals, urgent care center, etc. For testing through North Central Health District, you must get an appointment by using the Georgia DPH COVID-19 Testing Registration Form which can be found on the Georgia Department of Public Health’s website. The North Central Health District operates testing sites in Baldwin and Hancock Counties. Sites do not accept walk-ins/drive-ups – appointments are required. Testing is available in Baldwin County on Mondays and Fridays from 8 a.m. until noon. Testing is available in Hancock County on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m.
All 13 of the North Central Health District’s locations offer no-appointment COVID-19 vaccinations. In Washington County, COVID-19 vaccines are available at the Washington County Health Department located at 201 Morningside Drive in Sandersville on Tuesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. until noon. Pfizer is the only COVID vaccine currently approved for children aged 12 and older. The North Central Health District’s vaccine sites do not use Pfizer, and can only vaccinate ages 18 and older. Anyone age 12-17 will need to find a provider using Pfizer.
As previously reported by WACO 100, recently Washington County Regional Medical Center revised its visitor policy due to an increase in COVID-19 cases in the county.
In addition, the Rosa M. Tarbutton Memorial Library announced on Wednesday, July 28 that the Regional Library Board decided that all staff and patrons entering the library must wear a mask due to the surge in COVID-19 cases throughout the state of Georgia. A face covering is required, regardless of vaccination status.