New COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations continue declining nationally and locally, but health officials say it is not time to relax.
Dr. Brannon Traxler, public health director for the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, pointed out the fluctuation of new cases and hospitalization have been a hallmark of this pandemic since the beginning.
“We are continuing to see a downward trend in cases which is certainly good news, but we can’t rest on these successes,” she cautioned. “Numbers can fluctuate at any point for a number of reasons. The combination of vaccination and masking along with other safety protocols is the only way we will see a sustained decrease that will eventually end this pandemic.”
MORE: New COVID-19 Cases and Hospitalizations Declining
Traxler said it is imperative vaccination rates increase and people continue to use safety protocols such as wearing masks in public and indoor settings, social distancing and hand-washing.
It is an especially critical time as colder weather is driving people to be indoors more. That combines with the looming holidays to come.
“It’s no secret that during this pandemic, major holidays have led to increases in cases, hospitalizations, and deaths,” said Traxler. “We want to avoid that over the next few months, and that starts with keeping each other safe during Halloween through the rest of the holiday season.”
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DHEC has released safety guidelines for the holidays.
The guidelines include not attending social gatherings if you have any symptoms or have tested positive in the last 10 days or if you have been exposed and instructed to quarantine in the last 14 days. If possible, host or attend events outdoors and limit contact with shared items at gathering. Halloween-specific advice includes having one person hand out candy to trick or treaters, rather than allowing them to reach into a bowl to grab a treat.
MORE: State Health Department in Georgia and South Carolina Hold COVID-19 Briefings
Traxler said 53.5% of South Carolinians are currently fully vaccinated. In Georgia, the Department of Public Health said 49% of residents are fully vaccinated. Nationally, as of Oct. 7, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report 56.2% of the population have been fully vaccinated.
As of Oct. 15, the CDC still lists Richmond, Columbia and Aiken Counties as having a high transmission rate. Because of that, the agency advises everyone should wear a mask in public indoor settings. Mask requirements might vary from place to place. Make sure you follow local laws, rules, regulations or guidance.
Vaccinations are front of mind for Augusta government. The city has scheduled mobile vaccination clinics through early December:
Oct. 28 from 4 – 6 p.m. at the Augusta Aquatic Center, 3157 Damascus Rd.
Oct. 30 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the James Brown Arena, 601 7th St.
Nov. 4 from 4 – 6 p.m. at the Warren Road Community Center, 300 Warren Rd.
Nov. 6 from 9 – 11:30 a.m. at Henry Brigham Community Center, 2463 Golden Camp Rd.
Nov. 6 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Robert Howard Community Center, 103 Diamond Lakes Way
Nov. 20 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Augusta Mall, 3450 Wrightsboro Rd.
Dec. 2 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Jamestown Community Center & Park, 3647 Karleen Rd.
Dec. 4 from noon – 4 p.m. at Carrie J. Mays Family Life Center, 1014 11th Ave.
This is also part of the city’s vaccination incentive program. Richmond County residents who become fully vaccinated at any of the clinics are eligible for the $100 incentive.
Health officials continue to push the importance of testing. Tests are offered at the Richmond County Health Department at 1916 North Leg Road. Testing is available Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.
To schedule an appointment visit this website. Same day appointments are available.
Dana Lynn McIntyre is a Staff Reporter with The Augusta Press. You can reach her at dana@theaugustapress.com
