Atlanta hospitals are so flooded with patients that as of Dec. 27, 18 emergency rooms were turning away ambulances. | Unsplash/Sharon McCutcheon
Atlanta hospitals are so flooded with patients that as of Dec. 27, 18 emergency rooms were turning away ambulances. | Unsplash/Sharon McCutcheon
As the state faces a surge in the number of COVID related hospitalizations, the Georgia Department of Public Health reported more than 26,000 new cases over the holiday weekend.
Fox 5 Atlanta reports that the 7-day average for new COVID-19 cases in Georgia is now at 8,445, according to GDPH data.
Atlanta hospitals are so flooded with patients that as Dec. 27, 18 emergency rooms were turning away ambulances, including Emory, Piedmont and Northside.
"The bad news is that omicron is driving cases skyward in multiple parts of the country, including Georgia," Dr. Amber Schmidtke told Fox 5.
Demand for testing is also sharply on the rise, which has led to increasing numbers of fraud, scams and price gouging.
"We urge all Georgians to be on the lookout for fraudulent COVID-19-related practices, specifically as it pertains to testing," Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr said, according to FOX 5 News. "Unfortunately, scam artists seeking to take advantage of the increase in demand will attempt to con hardworking Georgians into paying for fake tests. Do your research to ensure you are visiting a legitimate operation and receiving results from a valid provider."
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Georgia ranks 46th nationwide in the percentage of the population fully vaccinated with only 54% of Georgians eligible for vaccination choosing to get the shot.
"Get vaccinated. Get boosted. Wear a high-quality, well-fitting mask. Avoid indoor crowds. Ventilate. Get tested," Schmidtke said, according to Fox 5.
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