The “extremely transmissible, highly contagious” BA.5 variant continues to spread across Northwest Georgia, which is shown by “double-digit” admissions at area hospitals.

That was what Dr. Gary Vocio who is the health director for the Georgia Department of Public Health Northwest Health District which includes Chattooga County said this week.   Dr. Vocio said most of those hospitalized are age 60 and older, although some younger area residents also are being admitted. Several patients remain on ventilators, he says. He again recommended vaccinations, citing the hospital reports, and also urged people to consider wearing masks in enclosed spaces.

This week there were 38 patients in Rome-area hospitals with COVID-19 and the most on record since late February.

Voccio added that the region remains under a “high” risk of spread as monitored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The latest assessment will be available Friday morning.

RNT