Make appointment for Friday’s drive-thru vaccine clinic

The number of new cases of COVID-19 in Grady County in one week continues to remain low for the fourth week in a row, however it is on an upward climb. There were nine Grady County residents who tested positive for the disease in the last seven days, up from four new cases the week before. Since March 2, the number of new cases per week has remained below 10.

The number of local residents dying from the disease caused by the novel coronavirus remained unchanged this week at 45, according to information from the Georgia Department of Public Health.

The number of hospitalizations has also dropped with no COVID-positive patients at Grady General Hospital as of Tuesday, and three at Archbold Memorial Hospital in Thomasville, according to Shealy Register, spokeswoman for Archbold Medical Center, which operates both hospitals.

Grady County Schools saw a slight uptick in affected students this week with one reporting positive and four on quarantine at Washington Middle School Tuesday. There was also a student on quarantine at Shiver School, according to Dr. Kermit Gilliard, superintendent of Grady County Schools. No school employees were on quarantine or reporting positive Tuesday.

All Georgians age 16 and older are now eligible for the free COVID-19 vaccine, which is offered by the Grady County Health Department, Archbold Memorial Hospital and local pharmacists.

Grady General Hospital is hosting a community drive-thru clinic at Cairo High School Friday for those with appointments.

No walk-ins will be accepted during the event, scheduled for Friday, April 2, 3 p.m.-5 p.m.

Those eligible to receive the vaccine can make an appointment by calling (229) 377-0274 and following the recorded instructions.

To schedule an appointment with the Grady County Health Department, call (229) 377-2992.