COVID–19 Cases Rising, Rumley Urges Citizens To Exercise Caution
By REBECCA HAZEN
News Editor
Dade County Executive Ted Rumley noted that there was a COVID-19 exposure at the Dade County Administrative Office during the weekly county update on Thursday, Jan. 6.
“Our HR director tested positive for COVID-19. She went and retested, and she tested negative. But one of the tests is right and one is wrong. She’s not feeling well at all,” Rumley said.
Rumley noted that if anyone has any business at the Administrative Building, they can be assisted at the lobby’s window.
“We are going to be social distancing now more than ever. We just don’t want to take a chance,” Rumley said.
Dade County has seen 77 cases in the past two weeks, for a total of 2,008 COVID-19 cases. The number of cases can be found at dph.georgia.gov/covid-19-daily-status-report. This number has risen steadily. For example, last week there were 66 cases, and a week prior to that, there were 48 cases.
There were large rises in cases in neighboring Walker and Catoosa counties as well, with 390 and 509 cases, respectively. Hamilton County has 4,691 active cases.
“About a month ago we were really feeling good about this. The numbers are going up, not going down. Try to wear your masks when needed and do your social distancing. I sound like a broken record, but just try to use common sense,” Rumley said.
Local COVID-19 testing, for a fee, is offered at Primary Healthcare, Lawson Medical, Price Pharmacy, AFC Lookout Valley, and CVS Pharmacy.
There is free COVID-19 testing every Monday and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Colonnade in Ringgold.
To make an appointment for a vaccine or a booster at the Dade County Health Department, or for questions, call (706) 657-4213.
According to the Georgia Department of Health Vaccine Distribution Dashboard, Dade County is 32 percent fully vaccinated. This information can be found at dph.georgia.gov/covid-vaccine.
In other news, the Dade County Emergency Services E911 Division is still accepting applications for an E911 dispatching position. The applicant will be responsible for answering emergency calls and dispatching all emergency service departments of Dade County. An online application can be found at dadecounty-ga.gov
In addition, the Dade County Sheriff’s Office is accepting applications for a jail officer position. Download an application from dadesheriff.com or fill one out at the Sheriff’s Office.
The Georgia Department of Driver Services will be at the Dade County Sheriff’s Office on Monday, Jan. 24, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit dds.georgia.gov or call (678) 413-8400.
The weekly county update is broadcast on Facebook and YouTube on Thursdays at 3 p.m.