Metro health officials say travel could be behind jump in coronavirus cases

ATLANTA — Health officials in Metro Atlanta are worried because the population less likely to show symptoms of coronavirus infection—18- to 29-year-olds—now has the highest number of reported cases.

Health experts say younger people eager to be out and about who are not wearing masks or practicing social distancing has led, in part, to a spike in coronavirus infections in Georgia.

One young person told Channel 2′s Carol Sbarge that putting on a mask isn’t something he wants to do but he does on occasion.

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Wellstar Medical Director of Population Health, Dr. Chirag Patel, said the concern is that young people who feel well and are unaware that they are carrying the coronavirus will infect others.

He added that the uptick in infections could cause a corresponding jump in hospitalizations among the older and more vulnerable in the coming weeks.

Doctors aren’t surprised people are crowding beaches and wanting to get out after being cooped up. Patel says the key is following safe practices especially wearing masks.

Rachel Shapiro, 29, a DeKalb County resident told Sbarge she always wears a mask while out. She says now is exactly the time we need to be taking the steps to be extra careful.

She says now is exactly the time we need to be taking the steps to be extra careful.

Will a coronavirus vaccine be the only way to keep the virus in check? An expert weighs in Dr. Chirag Patel with Wellstar Health System said a vaccine will be the biggest help to curb the virus

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