DPH reports 253 new cases of COVID-19 in Stephens County over the past two weeks

As the world continues to see the number of COVID cases surge, Stephens County also is facing a surge among its residents.

According to the Department of Public Health, there have been 3,445 total cases of COVID-19 in Stephens County, since the start of the pandemic, an increase of 118 since WNEG’s report last week.

The death count for Stephens County; however, remains at 80.

In the last two weeks, ending August 27, the DPH reports a total of 253 new cases in Stephens County.

For surrounding counties, Habersham County has 300 new cases in the last 2 weeks, Rabun County has 63, Banks County has 137, Franklin County 162, and Hart County has 126 new cases.

In Georgia, the DPH is reporting 1,065,167 total cases, an increase of 28,863 since WNEG’s report last week. The DPH also reports an increase of 267 deaths since WNEG’s report last week, bringing the total to 19,510 confirmed COVID-related deaths.

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

Additionally, 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 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.