ATLANTA — Georgia reported the highest 7-day average of new COVID-19 cases among children 17 and younger since the start of the pandemic Friday.
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Today’s 7-day average was 949.8 for children between 0 and 17 years old across the state.
Just one month ago, on July 13, the state was averaging 69.1 cases in that age group.
That represents over a 1,200% increase in cases over the course of the last 30 days.
The previous highest 7-day average was 868.4 cases on Jan. 14, 2021.
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The data comes as many children are finishing their second week of school. Most of metro Atlanta’s school districts were reporting new COVID-19 cases in the hundreds.
The highest numbers of new cases were reported this week in the 10 - 17 age group. The 7-day average of cases for that age group is currently 532.
Children over age 12 are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine.
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Children ages 5 - 9 saw the second-highest number of cases, with a 7-day average of 261 cases.
On Thursday, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta released a statement saying they are experiencing higher than normal volumes in their emergency departments and urgent care centers.
“Families and caregivers: Know when to contact your child’s doctor and when to take your child to the emergency department,” the hospital wrote. “Visit www.choa.org/testing for more information on COVID-19 testing.”
At least 12 children have died of COVID-19 in Georgia.
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