Stephens County sees rise in COVID cases

Stephens County is now seeing the number of COVID cases among its residents increase much quicker than it has in recent weeks.

According to the Department of Public Health, there have been 3,552 total cases of COVID-19 in Stephens County, since the start of the pandemic, an increase of 107 since WNEG’s report on Tuesday.

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

In the last two weeks, ending September 1, the DPH reports a total of 305 new cases in Stephens County.

For surrounding counties, Habersham County has 353 new cases in the last 2 weeks, Rabun County has 74, Banks County has 146, Franklin County 206, and Hart County has 129 new cases.

In Georgia, the DPH is reporting 1,065,167 total cases, an increase of 32,542 since WNEG’s report on Tuesday. The DPH also reports an increase of 296 deaths since WNEG’s report on Tuesday, bringing the total to 19,806 confirmed COVID-related deaths.

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 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.