We’re not out of the woods yet with COVID-19.
While many of us are ready to be done with the COVID-19 pandemic, the virus itself is not done with us. It is imperative that as we loosen restrictions to try and return to some semblance of normality, we continue to follow the guidelines in place to prevent the spread of the virus.
It is safe to say that all of us are tired of dealing with everything associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. We are all tired of having to do things like wear a mask when going out in public, practicing social distancing measures and not being able to enjoy some of our favorite activities.
Of course, the effects of this pandemic have been felt beyond those inconveniences. People have lost their jobs, businesses have been adversely affected and the obvious, more than 100,000 Americans have lost their lives. When you consider what so many have lost, not being able to watch a sporting event live is not even on the radar.
As of 3 p.m., there have been 2,102 deaths in Georgia, with the state’s earliest reported death on March 5. Over the last 14 days (5/20-6/2), the average daily increase in newly reported deaths was 28.93 deaths each day. Over the previous 14-day period (5/6-5/19), the average daily increase in newly reported deaths was 25.57.
There have been 48,207 cases confirmed in Georgia, with the state’s earliest reported case on Feb. 1. Over the last 14 days, the average daily increase in newly confirmed cases was 600.43 new cases a day. Over the previous 14-day period, the average daily increase in newly confirmed cases was 579.863
The only way for us to recover from the damage the pandemic has done is to do everything in our power to make sure that the spread of COVID-19 is contained. This includes washing your hands, sanitize everything, keep at least 6ft from others, wear a cloth facial covering, and stay home if you don’t feel well. The virus will not stop just because we are ready for it to be done, and proof of that can be found in the numbers for the GNR Health District, which includes Gwinnett, Newton & Rockdale counties.
Gwinnett County reported its 133rd death from COVID-19 Tuesday, As of 3 p.m. Tuesday, the number of diagnosed cases in Gwinnett County has reached 3,891.
That is 1,265 new cases for the county in the span 15 days. The increased availability of testing is definitely contributing to that rise, but it still shows that we are not out of the woods when it comes to COVID-19.
Dr. Audrey Arona, district health Director and CEO of Gwinnett, Newton and Rockdale County Health Departments, told Norcross City Council Monday night that the Health Department is still encouraging people who are out and about to wear some kind of face covering in places where social distancing is not possible. That advisory includes regular trips to places like grocery stores, gas stations and pharmacies. She also shared that our local area has seen a recent up-tick in confirmed cases.
Though Gwinnett has been fortunate that our area has not been hit as hard as Fulton County, Atlanta which has had 4,638 confirmed cases we are second in the state at 3,891 largely due to population. We are followed by Dekalb at 3,803 and Cobb at 3,056 confirmed cases.
We have a ways to go yet. Let’s continue to do the right thing by all citizens following the aforementioned CDC guidelines to slow the spread of COVID-19.