Close to 20,000 new Covid cases (including positives from antigen tests) were reported in Georgia on the last Wednesday of 2021, as new daily state records were being set. On the state virus map, metro Atlanta was covered by a deep, dangerous red color, signifying high rates of infection. People were scrambling to get Covid…
A recent rise in COVID and flu cases and the introduction of a new variant — omicron — means Savannah residents will be ringing in the New Year again with reinstated mask mandates and rejuvenated pleas for social distancing, testing and vaccinations. Read the full article: Savannah Morning News
COVID-19’s Omicron wave is rapidly pushing up the number of patients infected with the virus in Georgia hospitals, particularly in the Atlanta area. The number of patients hospitalized statewide with the virus has climbed by more than 50% in a week, rising above 1,900 on Monday. That’s the highest number since mid-October, when patient numbers…
Cobb County recorded nearly 2,500 new COVID-19 cases since Friday, continuing an unprecedented spike driven by the highly contagious omicron variant. Saturday, Sunday and Monday all saw more than 800 new cases, according to Georgia Department of Public Health data. Read the full article: Marietta Daily Journal
Part 5 of a Special Report The concept isn’t exactly new. Free-standing ERs — affiliated with hospitals but not physically connected to them — have cropped up in many areas, generally in suburban or urban locations where large numbers of local residents have private insurance. They provide emergency medical services apart from a regular hospital…
The timing of the waiver decision, right before Christmas, drew a quick, angry response from state Republican leaders. Gov. Brian Kemp’s spokeswoman noted that the federal health officials’ announced rejection of the state’s proposed work requirements for its Medicaid waiver came two days before Christmas. “They attempted to hide behind the holiday,’’ said Katie Byrd….
Georgia law on lead poisoning lags far behind CDC guidance, but a major update is expected when the General Assembly convenes next month. State Rep. Katie Dempsey, R-Rome, has been chairing a special House Study Committee on Childhood Lead Exposure. The bipartisan committee unanimously approved on Dec. 14 a set of recommendations for action. Read…
Part 4 of a Special Report Georgia’s Echols County, which borders Florida, could be called a health care desert. It has no hospital, no local ambulances. A medical provider comes to treat patients at a migrant farmworker clinic but, other than a small public health department with two full-time employees, that’s about the extent of…
By Phil Galewitz and Andy Miller A record 13.6 million Americans have signed up for health coverage for 2022 on the Affordable Care Act marketplaces, with nearly a month remaining to enroll in most states, the Biden administration announced Wednesday. President Joe Biden’s top health advisers credited the increased government subsidies, which lowered out-of-pocket costs,…
Cobb County manager Lisa Cupid has declared an emergency in that county over the dramatic rise in COVID-19 cases. The declaration will allow that county to implement its emergency operation plan that includes holding all public meetings virtually and encourages Cobb County residents to take precautions to avoid spreading COVID-19. Read the full article: wsbtv.com