COVID cases continue to increase in Stephens County

The number of COVID cases continues to increase in Stephens County.

According to the Department of Public Health, there have been 4,197 total cases of COVID-19 in Stephens County, since the start of the pandemic, an increase of 95 since WNEG’s report last week.

The DPH is reporting 87 confirmed COVID-related deaths in Stephens County, three more since WNEG’s report on Thursday.

In the last two weeks, ending September 23, the DPH reports a total of 375 new cases in Stephens County.

For surrounding counties, Habersham County has 282 new cases in the last 2 weeks, Rabun County has 120, Banks County has 148, Franklin County 142, and Hart County has 85 new cases.

In Georgia, the DPH is reporting 1,203,812 total cases, an increase of 34,375 since WNEG’s report last week. The DPH also reports an increase of 302 deaths since WNEG’s report on Thursday, bringing the total to 21,865 confirmed COVID-related deaths across the state of Georgia.

To follow the daily COVID numbers visit dph.georgia.gov.

As a reminder, Stephens County Health Department continues to offer the COVID vaccine for residents.

Toccoa Mayor Evan Hellenga is encouraging the public to get the vaccine.

Hellenga said, during a recent Toccoa City Commission meeting, it’s important to protect yourself and your loved ones from the virus by getting the vaccine.

“Everyone that watches the news knows that the Coronavirus is very much back to life,” he said. “I can’t stress it enough, if you haven’t been vaccinated take that opportunity and do yourself and your family and friends a favor. We’ve got to get ahead of this thing.”

Anyone interested in receiving the COVID vaccine can do so at the Stephens County Health Department, located at 64 Boulevard, Suite 102, Toccoa.

To schedule an appointment to be vaccinated contact Stephens County Health Department by calling 706-282-4507.