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 4,102 total cases of COVID-19 in Stephens County, since the start of the pandemic, an increase of 205 since WNEG’s report earlier this week.

The DPH is reporting 84 confirmed COVID-related deaths in Stephens County, two more since WNEG’s report earlier this week.

In the last two weeks, ending September 21, the DPH reports a total of 335 new cases in Stephens County.

For surrounding counties, Habersham County has 302 new cases in the last 2 weeks, Rabun County has 134, Banks County has 159, Franklin County 137, and Hart County has 84 new cases.

In Georgia, the DPH is reporting 1,169,437 total cases, an increase of 27,745 since WNEG’s report earlier this week. The DPH also reports an increase of 328 deaths since WNEG’s report earlier this week, bringing the total to 21,563 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.