Dr. Gary Voccio, the Health Director for the Georgia Department of Public Health’s Northwest Health District, extends his best wishes to all Northwest Georgia residents for the 2020 holiday season. He also reminds everyone to take steps towards prevention of COVID-19, as it can be easily spread among large groups in enclosed environments. Many people who are asymptomatic may inadvertently pass the virus on to someone else who could end up in the hospital, asserts Dr. Voccio.
If at all possible, Dr. Voccio recommends that Northwest Georgians hold their holiday gatherings outdoors. Also, limit those gatherings to people within the family circle. Maintain a safe social distance, and wear a mask/face covering when social distancing is not possible.
There is much hope as we exit 2020 and enter 2021 – the COVID-19 vaccine. Dr. Voccio anticipates the entire US will have an opportunity to be vaccinated by next Spring or Summer.
Until a herd immunity to the virus is developed, Dr. Voccio indicates that the public should maintain safety measures to curb the community spread of the coronavirus.