July 5, 2021–1:06 p.m.
STAFF REPORTS
We’ve heard a lot in recent weeks about the Delta variant of the COVID-19 virus, which now accounts for about half of the current cases we are seeing now in Georgia.
Dr. Gary Voccio, health director for the 10-county Georgia Department of Public Health Northwest District, said the Delta variant seems to be more transmissible and more contagious.
“However, fortunately, we do not see an increase in hospitalizations, ICU cases, or emergency room visits with this highly transmissible, contagious Delta variant,” he said. “You have to remember this virus replicates quickly. We’ve had almost a thousand variations of this virus discovered since the start of the pandemic.”
Dr. Voccio said he believes the reason why we are not seeing more hospitalizations and deaths from the Delta variant is those most likely to succumb to the virus, like the elderly and the infirmed, have been vaccinated.
“We do realize now that the vaccines can reduce the transmission of these variants, particularly the Delta variant,” he added. “We now know from clinical studies that the transmission is less. If you get COVID after you receive a vaccine, you are not going to be as sick and you won’t transmit it as readily. So, the vaccines seem to be effective, even against the Delta variant.”
According to the Georgia Department of Public Health, nearly four million Georgians have been fully vaccinated. That’s about 38% of the total population.
Floyd County is below the state average at about 32%.
(CDC photo)