We know you don't want to hear it, but COVID-19 cases are on the rise. Here's what to know

Miguel Legoas, Augusta Chronicle

While the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic is currently behind us, the virus has not gone away. In fact, it's becoming a real problem in multiple states, including Georgia.

Here's a closer look at how many new cases have been seen in the Peach State recently, what is known about the current strain, and what preventative measures are available:

How many new cases of COVID-19 are in Georgia?

Georgia has seen about 15,684 new cases of COVID-19 in July, according to the Georgia Department of Public Health's online COVID dashboard. The cases were already steadily ticking up over the summer, but this represents a sharp rise, with less than 6,000 new cases reported in June. However, the rise is not necessarily out of the norm as COVID-19 has often seen summer spikes due to increased vacation travel and exposure to other people.

The dashboard's data charts also show ER visits are also up. While there have been some deaths, there have continued to be relatively few of them.

Carter turning 100: Jimmy Carter celebrating 100th birthday with benefit concert in Atlanta. Here's who will play

What is the current COVID-19 variant?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is now monitoring the COVID-19 variant KP.3.1.1 as it edges close to KP.3. The Nowcast data tracker showed the projections of the COVID-19 variants for a two-week period from July 7 through July 20. The KP.3 variant made up 32.9% of positive infections and KP.3.1.1 was 17.7%. Combined, the two variants make up 50.6% of cases.

"The KP.3.1.1 variant is very similar to other circulating variants in the United States. All current lineages are descendants of JN.1, which emerged in late 2023," CDC Spokesperson Rosa Norman told USA TODAY. "At this time, we anticipate that COVID-19 treatments and vaccines will continue to work against all circulating variants. CDC will continue to monitor the severity of variants and will monitor vaccine effectiveness."

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

The symptoms of COVID-19 can have variations, but the most popular ones have stayed relatively consistent. Here are some of them:

  • Congestion or runny nose

  • Fever or chills

  • Loss of taste or smell

  • Coughing and sore throat

  • Muscle or body aches

The CDC says you should seek emergency help for the following symptoms:

  • Confusion

  • Breathing problems

  • Persistent pain or pressure in chest

  • Problems staying awake

  • Lips, nail beds and skin turning pale, gray, or blue

Savannah River: Federal funds could fortify Savannah River Basin forests in fight against climate change

Where are COVID-19 tests and vaccines available?

According to the CDC, Walgreens and CVS are still offering COVID-19 tests. To find any other options, go the CDC's online testing locator.

Vaccines are not as widely available as they used to be, but CVS has indicated they still have some available by appointment. According to the federal vaccines.gov site, updated flu and COVID vaccines are expected to be made widely available in September.

Ahjané Forbes with USA Today contributed to this story.

This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Georgia COVID-19 cases rise. Here is some safety, severity info

Advertisement