COVID Cases Have Plateaued Locally

An Effingham County Health Department official Tuesday said we've hit "kind of a plateau" as to the number of positive COVID cases seen in the county.

Catherine Bailey told the Effingham County Board's Health Committee that seven cases have been reported during this latest Friday to Thursday period. Bailey said the county has been averaging 13 to 14 cases per week recently.

Bailey is concerned about Easter weekend, when large groups are expected to gather. She is hopeful for good weather that will allow many gatherings to be held outside.

Bailey reported that 47.5% of the Effingham County population is fully vaccinated. That includes 58.5% of the adult population, 25% of those ages 12 to 17, and over 10% of those ages 5 to 11.

Free immunizations are still available at the former oil change facility in front of Village Square Mall weekdays between 9:30 and 11:30am and between 2 and 3pm. 

Health Department Chairman Doug McCain asked whether there's been any progress on an immunization that would combine a flu and COVID vaccination. Nothing has been formulated yet, though.