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On Tuesday, Troup County reported its highest number of new COVID-19 cases since Sept. 13, according to data from the Georgia Department of Public Health.

There were 43 new cases on Tuesday, the first time Troup County had hit a number that high since having 50 in one day in September.

According to GDPH data, Troup County was in the single digits daily for new COVID cases almost all of October and November but has seen numbers increase consistently since the start of December.

The Georgia Department of Public Health said in a press release that data shows Omicron taking over as the dominant COVID strain in the United States.

GDPH said surveillance for COVID variants is done through genomic sequencing of PCR positive test results. In Georgia, the most recent genomic sequencing is from week ending Dec. 4, and at that time, the Delta variant was responsible for 98% of new COVID cases.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) uses genomic sequencing data to project current variant proportions and now estimates Omicron accounts for more than 73% of new COVID cases in the United States. Given the rapid transmissibility of the Omicron variant, GDPH said the current proportion of Omicron in Georgia is likely similar to that of the national estimate, and presumably will account for all new COVID cases in the state in the coming weeks.

With that in mind, GDPH gave the following recommendations for holiday gatherings:

• Get a COVID vaccination and booster dose.
• For young children who aren’t yet eligible for the COVID 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 six 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 CDC recommendations for holiday travel.
• Get tested if you have symptoms of COVID-19 or have a close contact with someone who has COVID-19.