COVID-19 Cases Stable Locally, Up In State; New Testing Options

While the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 has increased dramatically in the state in the last two days, the number of confirmed cases in Oconee, Clarke and Barrow counties has remained stable, according to data released by the Georgia Department of Public Health.

Oconee and Barrow counties are each reporting a single case, and the Department of Public Health has decreased the count of the number of cases in Clarke County from 10 to nine.

In a joint news release, Athens-Clarke County and Oconee County leaders and area legislators announced new testing opportunities and also warned that they expect the number of confirmed cases to increase as more testing occurs and results become known.

The Oconee County Board of Commissioners Friday told residents of the county that “We all have an obligation of personal responsibility to understand and abide by the recommendations that medical professionals are putting forward regarding social distancing, limiting groups to a maximum of 10 and staying home if you feel sick.”

In a separate statement, Oconee County Commission Chair John Daniell reported the death on Saturday of Oconee County Commissioner William “Bubber” Wilkes.

Wilkes had been in poor health in recent years and was taken to the hospital on Friday morning in an ambulance.

“It is with a heavy heart that I tell you Commissioner William “Bubber” Wilkes passed away today,” Daniell wrote. “Bubber loved Oconee County and was always a great advocate for its rural spaces, agricultural way of life, and employees.”

Daniell said he did not have information regarding funeral arrangements. The family is requesting no visitors at this time.

For more on the story, with charts showing the spread of the virus around the state and the increases in cases over the last eight days, please go to Oconee County Observations.