COVID-19 is getting worse here, much worse. 

Hundreds of new virus cases have been reported here in recent weeks.

South Health District officials report that Tift County has experienced more than 850 new virus cases in a recent two-week period.

From Aug. 7-13, Tift County reported 542 new COVID-19 laboratory positives, according to the Georgia Department of Public Health. In the week prior, July 31-Aug. 6, Tift reported 309 new positives.

During that two-week period, Tift County reported 851 new cases, according to health officials.

As these numbers rise, so do the number of hospitalized patients.

Nurses, respiratory therapists, doctors and other clinicians are working tirelessly to help patients recover and save lives. 

Public health officials say things are going to get worse before they get better. 

This is not something happening somewhere else. 

This is happening right here in our community. 

The people in the hospital are our neighbors, friends and family members. 

The vast majority of them are unvaccinated. 

Only 31% percent of Tift County residents have been fully vaccinated as of last week, according to health officials.

We must do better. 

We must be better. 

COVID-19 vaccinations are safe and effective — plain, pure and simple. 

Please get vaccinated. 

Please stop spreading false information. 

Stop relying on Facebook for your information about the virus, vaccines and public health.

Stop listening to conspiracy theorists, anti-vaxxers and COVID deniers. 

The virus is real. 

The sicknesses are real. 

The hospitalizations are real. 

The deaths are real. 

The vaccines really save lives. 

You can helps save lives in these ways:

— If you are not vaccinated, get your vaccine today.

— Wear a protective mask indoors, when you are in public spaces. 

— Socially distance, wash your hands frequently and use hand sanitizer. 

— Stop spreading false information about COVID-19 and the vaccines. 

The only path for stopping the spread and saving lives is through the vaccine.