City and County leaders share optimism amidst falling COVID numbers

(ALBANY, GA) – Albany and Dougherty County leaders met with a renewed sense of optimism this morning in regards to the COVID-19 pandemic. This is due to a combination of a steep drop-off in case numbers as well as the possibility of vaccines being available to the general public.

Albany Mayor, Bo Dorough says a sufficient supply of vaccine could be ready as early as Spring.

“There is speculation that the vaccine will be available to the general population in April or May. The supply by that time should be sufficient to meet the demand,” says Mayor Dorough.

Phoebe Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Kathy hHudson says across their campuses, frontline workers are handling far fewer cases.

From more than 110 patients in January to around 70 at the main campus.

Dr. Hudson told those in attendance, “That’s a 32 percent drop over the past two weeks of hospitalized patients. So we’re hoping this is the last significant spike that we’ve seen.”

While concerns over a post-holiday COVID-19 spike have dissipated, county officials are urging the public to keep up their personal safety practices for a little longer, as many feel the turning point isn’t far off.

“I can see the light when i’m saying, maybe in three months from now, maybe we might be able to go back to weddings, to sporting events, a graduation of some form. If everyone keeps doing what they’re doing now,” says Dougherty County Coroner, Michael Fowler.

The next COVID-19 task force meeting will be held on Friday, February 26th.