According to the Georgia Departmentof Public Health, the number of COVID-19 cases in Effingham County has reached a pandemic high.

The 7-day rolling average of diagnosed cases is 45, eight more than in mid February.

Effingham Health System was at near capacity for COVID-19 patients all weekend on the inpatient side. Of the 209 ER patients EHS saw, 103 were COVID related. 

Health officials are urging the wearing of masks and social distancing. 

The Delta variant is more contagious and affects younger patients, including children and infants.