Local Health Official Said COVID is w/us for the Long Term

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Published on July 5 2022 4:24 pm
Last Updated on July 5 2022 5:34 pm
Written by Greg Sapp

Jeff Workman 2020

(EFFINGHAM COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT ADMINISTRATOR JEFF WORKMAN)

It's a question that's been asked often since the Coronavirus spread worldwide...at what point will people just accept that the virus is a risk and they either will or won't immunize against it?

That question was raised by a reporter at Tuesday's Effingham County Board Health Committee meeting.

Effingham County Health Department Administrator Jeff Workman said he believes many have already reached that conclusion.

The question came up after the Health Department's Catherine Bailey noted an increase in the number of COVID cases in the county. She also acknowledged that the number of hospitalizations are down and that the last COVID-related death in the county was at the end of April. 

Bailey sees benefits in being immunized, saying the immunization should prevent the more serious COVID cases, although that can't be guaranteed. She said the immunization also reduces "long haul" COVID.

As to the fact that COVID is among us for the foreseeable future, Workman said it's "endemic, not pandemic". 

Other COVID-related information shared by Bailey:

--there are still some county residents getting their first COVID shots

--vaccine is now available for those under age 5, but that vaccine is not yet being offered in Effingham County

--a combination flu and COVID immunization will not be available this fall

--there's no word as to when we will know why COVID affects different people differently

Bailey reminded that COVID vaccine is available at no cost weekdays between 9am and noon and between 2 and 3:30pm. The immunizations are being given at the Health Department. Phone the Health Department at 217-342-9237 and choose the CLINIC option. The clinic will help people make appointments for their COVID vaccine. For COVID testing, pull into the hoop building at the Health Department and let the staff know you're there, and a staff member will come out to see you. 

Workman also reported that the Board of Health has acquired four lots and a vacated portion of Cherry Street next to the Health Department from Prompt Care. The land can be used to expand parking.