Towns most COVID-19 vaccinated county in the North Georgia Mountains

HIAWASSEE, Ga – In Towns County, 51 percent of the population have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

47 percent are fully vaccinated.

Union General Hospital is over capacity in the ICU by 160 percent and 140 percent over inpatient capacity as of August 31. Chatuge Regional Hospital is part of the Union General Health Systems.

Of the 59 inpatients, 49 were unvaccinated and 4 were vaccinated.

Many patients at Chatuge Regional who receive an ambulance ride are having to wait in the vehicles until availability opens.

Mayor Liz Ordiales asked people to try and avoid any COVID risky activities if possible. She also urged people to get the vaccine. The health department and Ingles aren’t requiring prior appointments, walk-ins are welcome.

Upcoming Public Forum

A public forum concerning Towns, Hiawassee, and Young Harris’s future efforts will be held on Thursday, September 9 at 7 p.m. at the Recreation Center. Land use updates will be covered and the results of the comprehensive plan survey.

Councilmember Anne Mitchell received a certificate of recognition from UGA’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government.

Cell Tower

Verizon has proposed a 265-foot cell tower has been proposed in the area of Bell Creek and Bell Street. It should expand cell service in the city and county if approved.

Halloween Event

The city’s considering the future of the Halloween trick or treat event because of the recent COVID-19 outbreak. No decisions have been made yet, but they will keep an eye on the situation. The Delta Variant appears to be affecting children in greater numbers than previous variants of COVID-19.