COVID-19 Positive Test Results In GA Skyrocket To Early Pandemic Numbers, Officials Say

ATLANTA, GA — Georgia is seeing a spike in positive COVID-19 tests that nearly rivals the numbers recorded at the beginning of the pandemic in spring 2020.

On Monday, the Georgia Department of Public Health reported that 30.8 percent of PCR tests — the results reported to the state agency from nose or throat swabs — were positive, compared with 32.2 percent on April 2, 2020, when Gov. Brian Kemp ordered Georgia residents and nonessential workers to shelter in place.

Monday’s recorded seven-day average of 23 percent of positive COVID-19 tests was above the test results of just over 22 percent seen on April 2, 2020, according to state figures. That's also up from 4.7 percent just on Dec. 1.

The results come within a month of a new, more-contagious strain of the coronavirus, the omicron variant, making its way into Georgia. State officials are urging the public to get vaccinated and encouraging those 16 and older who have been vaccinated for more than six months to get a booster.

In Atlanta, Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms has already reinstated the masking mandate for all public indoor locations within city limits.

With only about 60 percent of Georgians inoculated amid a persistent pushback against the vaccine, state public health officials are promoting a new campaign meant to normalize the COVID-19 vaccines, comparing them to other mainstream vaccines for diseases such as mumps, chickenpox, polio, hepatitis or measles.

“Existing vaccines have been through rigorous testing and have helped us control other diseases throughout the years,” said a DPH social media post that also named diphtheria, influenza, rubella and tetanus among the list of 14 diseases controlled by vaccines. “Many deadly diseases are not as concerning anymore because of commonly used vaccinations. Let’s add COVID-19 to this list.”

Testing continues to be available across Georgia, and state officials say that getting tested for COVID-19 is the first line of defense.

State and federal health officials urged the public to continue the same prevention measures, regardless of the variant:

• Get a COVID-19 vaccination and booster dose.
• For young children who aren't yet eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine, reduce the risk of exposure by making sure the people around them are vaccinated.
• Wear well-fitting masks over your nose and mouth in public indoor settings.
• Physically distance, about 6 feet, around people outside of your own household.
• Avoid crowded, poorly ventilated spaces, and remember that outdoor activities are safer than indoor activities.
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water. Use hand sanitizer if soap and water aren't available.
• If you are sick or have symptoms of COVID-19, don't host or attend a gathering.
• Follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations for holiday travel.
• Get tested if you have symptoms of COVID-19 or have close contact with someone who has COVID-19.

To find a COVID-19 vaccine or COVID-19 testing location near you, log on to dph.ga.gov.