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We’ve written before that COVID-19 is spreading like wildfire through our community. We’ve said before that we’ve never seen case totals this high.

And now we’re saying it again.

The Omicron variant of COVID-19 is setting new record for case numbers in Troup County. The Georgia Department of Public Health hasn’t updated its case numbers since Dec. 31, but there were 139 cases on Dec. 28, 150 cases Dec. 29, 157 cases on Dec. 30 and 173 new cases on Dec. 31. All of those days set new records for case totals in Troup County.

From Dec. 18-Dec. 31, there were 977 new cases reported in Troup County, and we know that number is much higher when you factor in new cases at the beginning of 2022. That means as of Dec. 31 more than 1% of Troup County residents had COVID-19.

And yes, it’s true that Omicron is considered less severe than some of the other variants. Its symptoms are often comparable to a common cold for many, but it can still be deadly, and those who are unvaccinated are more likely to get the worst of it. Many who are vaccinated are getting over the worst of the symptoms within a few days.

It’s not too late to get a COVID-19 vaccine or your booster shot. Case totals continue to rise in our community, and across the country, and it’s important to do anything you can to protect yourself.

We also encourage you to wear a mask when out in public. If roughly 1% to 2% of our community has COVID-19 right now, what are the odds you are going to encounter someone at the grocery store with the virus? We’d say pretty high, considering there are usually hundreds of people in big box stores at one time.

A mask is an easy way to help protect you from COVID. It may not completely eliminate your odds of getting sick, but it serves as an added barrier that can help prevent spread.

Troup County’s vaccination rate has risen to 41%, meaning at least that many residents have gotten at least one shot. Only 37% are considered fully vaccinated.

A total of 29% have received a booster shot.

We understand that some are still hesitant to get vaccinated, but we certainly recommend considering it strongly. Millions upon millions of people have gotten the vaccine, and there have been very few with any side effects.

COVID-19 is as prevalent as it’s ever been in the two years of this pandemic. It’s as likely as ever that you’re going to catch COVID-19 in Troup County. Do whatever you can to be protected.