The number of COVID-19 cases among children in Georgia has skyrocketed by nearly 60% since last week. As debates over mask and vaccination mandates in schools continue, new data from the Georgia Department of Health reveals that nearly 8,000 children aged 17 and under were diagnosed with the virus during the week of August 13, a significant increase from 5,095 cases the previous week.
This report is part of a revamped data collection process. “I do not think @GaDPH anticipated having a Monday when they would be addressing 30,000 new positive tests,” tweeted Sarah Jenkins, who is campaigning for a seat in Georgia’s district 106. “It’s likely going to be this Monday. #gapol.”
According to WSB-TV Atlanta, 6,539 of the reported cases were in children aged 5 to 17, while 1,187 cases involved younger children aged 0 to 4. This reflects a 59.2% increase in the older group and a 20.3% rise among the younger children. As of August 18, children 17 and under were responsible for 13.6% of all emergency room visits, with a total of 1,314 hospitalizations since the pandemic began.
The surge is attributed to the Delta variant, which is particularly affecting the unvaccinated population, causing hospital capacities to be stretched. WSB-TV also reported the tragic passing of a 29-year-old correctional officer, Tom Ellis, from COVID-19 after a month-long battle with the virus. His 1-year-old daughter, Mia, was hospitalized but has since recovered. Tom’s wife, Lila Ellis, revealed that they both chose not to get vaccinated. “Yes, we didn’t take the shot,” she stated. “We believed what we were hearing.” However, Lila expressed a change of heart about vaccination and plans to immunize their daughter. “She cannot lose another parent because of this awful disease,” she said.
Georgia Senator Mark Thompson urged the public to consider vaccination. “I’m praying for our healthcare workers who are on the frontlines combating the recent COVID-19 surge in Georgia,” Thompson tweeted. “We owe it to them to do our part by getting vaccinated and wearing masks so we can finally regain control over this virus.”
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Summary
COVID-19 cases among children in Georgia have increased dramatically by 60% in just one week, with nearly 8,000 new infections reported. This spike comes amid ongoing debates over school health mandates and is largely fueled by the Delta variant. The report highlights the urgent need for vaccinations and protective measures as hospitals face rising admissions.
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