Public health director: Even the magic of Christmas won't protect us from COVID

The number of new cases of COVID-19 reported daily this week across the U.S. has been setting records, but not locally. And local health officials are hoping to keep it that way as Savannah and coastal Georgia heads into the holiday season.

"In the coastal Health District in general, in Chatham County specifically, we've been fortunate that we have not yet seen that surge; we have seen a very small uptick," Dr. Lawton Davis said during a Facebook Live interview with the Savannah Morning News Thursday.

Chatham's seven-day rolling average of new cases increased from about 24 on Nov. 4 to 35 on Nov. 12.

That seven-day rolling average in Chatham has been higher than its 14-day rolling average, meaning more new cases, Davis said. But that and other indicators, like the percentage of COVID tests that come back positive, remain better than they were at the height of viral activity here in the summer.

"Chatham County has been in the 6.23% range now for several weeks, which is much better than we were earlier," Davis said.

In July, rates climbed and stayed above 10%, what the federal government considers the "red zone." Below 5% is the goal.

The number of new cases reported daily across Georgia is increasing, with some of the biggest increases in northwest and northeast Georgia and around Augusta, the Georgia Department of Public Health reported earlier this week.

Thanksgiving, outside and small

Chris Rustin, the administrator of the Chatham County Health Department, joined Davis in the Facebook Live and urged caution during the holidays.

Family get-togethers at Thanksgiving require some re-thinking this year, he said.

"One thing that we recommend is that, if you have a gathering, keep it small," Rustin said. "Outdoors is certainly better than indoors. So we hope that the weather will cooperate. But if you have a gathering indoors, try to have it in a large room with a lot of ventilation. We do recommend masks indoors."

Think about your guests in terms of age and risk.

"The virus certainly can affect an elderly person with much poorer outcomes than a younger person potentially, and it can be spread asymptomatically. And so there's all kinds of risks that have to be considered."

College students returning from campus are another risk, though those who have had a case and recovered recently can probably join the Thanksgiving celebration with less worry.

"If it's been within the last few weeks, they probably are at very little risk of getting it again and or giving it to anyone else," Davis said.

The public health recommendations are the best tools for trying to limit the spread of the virus, both Davis and Rustin said.

"So wear your mask, social distance, wash your hands or have hand sanitizer to try to protect yourself as much as possible," Rustin said.

Christmas during COVID

Christmas traditions are likely to look a little different this year, too.

The stage is set for Santa visits at Oglethorpe Mall, but health officials advise foregoing the photo in Santa's lap this year.

"Personally, I hope that Santa socially distances and does not have lots of children in his lap up close and personal," Davis said. "That'll be tough. But yeah, I think that it's just unusual times. And I think even the magic of Christmas won't protect us from the virus."

Pack some patience into your other holiday routines, Rustin advised.

"If you are in a line and you social distance, they're gonna be slower this year. And so it's just something we have to plan for ahead of time, that it may be a little slower, because everyone's trying to do what they think is right to protect their workers."

Shop online or plan to order online and pick up at local stores that provide that service. If you do shop in person, wear a mask.

"Our people that are working in the stores at the checkout counters, they're gonna be coming in contact potentially with a lot of people, we all just need to be cognizant of that and do our part," Davis said.

"We may feel perfectly fine and yet be one of those asymptomatic carriers. So I need to wear my mask so I don't inadvertently expose you."

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