Nov. 30, 2020
COVID-19 Update:
From the Desk of Mayor Mike Bodker
Greetings,

I hope everyone was able to give thanks and celebrate Thanksgiving at home with the people you live with. I know for many of us it was challenging and for some even difficult, but we all need to continue to do everything we can to decrease the chances of getting or spreading COVID-19 or the flu.

Cases continue to increase rapidly across the United States, and there may be a post-Thanksgiving surge in cases. If you believe you may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, please take the initiative to get tested. You may schedule a free COVID-19 test regardless of symptoms at covid19.dph.ga.gov and for appointments by phone call 404-613-8150. However it is quicker to schedule an appointment online due to the volume of calls. Calls are accepted during these times: 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. on weekdays and 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Saturdays. Testing site locations, dates, and/or times are subject to change. For the latest information on testing, please visit: https://www.fultoncountyga.gov/covid-19/covid-testing-sites

New cases of COVID-19 continue to rise in Fulton County and within the city, as is evidenced by the data within the following report which provides a brief overview of the state of the coronavirus in Johns Creek and in Fulton County. The latest reports from the Fulton County Board of Health shows a rise in coronavirus case counts within Johns Creek and Fulton County. This accelerated pace of new diagnoses has been continuing since mid-October and this underscores the importance of wearing a mask, limiting your exposure to enclosed indoor areas, and practicing social distancing. I know I am repeating myself but as members of our city and community, we must address the spread of this infection.
 
In the past two weeks (reporting weeks of 11/4 to 11/17) there were more than 3,059 new cases of COVID-19 in Fulton County. In that same period, there were 212 new cases in the City of Johns Creek, which represents a 66.9 % increase in new diagnoses.
 
Current data is assembled below showing COVID-19 Counts and Rates from the most recent report from the Fulton County Board of Health Epidemiology Report (Dated November 25, 2020). In the table below, specific data for Johns Creek is highlighted for reference.
The case counts in Johns Creek are among the lower portion when compared to the other major cities in North Fulton County (as of 11/25/2020). But don’t allow this to impact your caution and safety efforts as the city has consistently realized an increase in case count (4.7%) over a 14 day period. The rise in new diagnoses is what is becoming concerning as more than 200 new diagnoses between the most recent 14 days (11/4 to 11/17) preceding the most recent 7 days and the 14 days preceding that (10/21 to 11/3).
 
The graph below is important as our city has seen the overall Incidence Rate continue to rise (253.5 in the chart below) to levels which are of concern. We need to do a better job at preventing illness by not risking exposure to and not transmitting this virus.
The trends remain upward as the Incidence Rate of new diagnoses increases (253.5 per 100,000 persons on November 25 compared to the rate a month ago of 89.7 on October 23) – a measure which calculates the rate of new diagnoses in the last 14 day period preceding the immediate past week.

Fulton County Schools looks at the Incidence Rate of new diagnoses as part of its Fulton County Schools Reopening Matrix Data-Based Plan to Phase into Face-to-Face Instruction. The county-wide New Diagnosis Rate is at 278.3 per 100,000 cases which is greater than the 100 per 100,000 cases (per last 14 days) threshold which Fulton Schools aims for when opening face-to-face instruction.
Testing Trends at the Fulton County Level
The Public Health State of Emergency issued by Governor Kemp remains in place. The Executive Order requires important safeguards as social distancing, a ban on gatherings of more than fifty people unless there is six feet between each person, and sheltering in place for those living in long-term care facilities and the medically fragile.
Data at the state of Georgia level

Considering the most recent data from the Georgia Department of Public Health daily overview of testing and cases the seven day average of confirmed cases has increased steadily throughout October. The information below represents confirmed cases of COVID-19 reported to the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) as of 11/30/2020.
We have seen some promising updates within the past several days related to advances with coronavirus vaccine studies and strategies.  An advisory panel to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is scheduled to meet to weigh in on which groups of people should be eligible to receive the first doses of a potential coronavirus vaccine.

Demand for the vaccines will far exceed supply for months, and Dr. Anthony Fauci has said each state will take into account “strong recommendations from the CDC” to make its own decision about the order in which people will be inoculated. In addition, two companies (Pfizer and Moderna) have applied for emergency authorization for their vaccine from the Food and Drug Administration, which could grant approval by mid to late December.

We continue to work closely with local hospitals and emergency rooms to monitor the spread of the virus and the effect it is having on our local healthcare facilities and workers. We implore each resident to strictly adhere to the safe and healthy practices as set by the Centers for Disease Control. 

  • Practice social distancing
  • Wash your hands often
  • Disinfect frequently touched surfaces (including your phones)
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a mask when around others
  • Stay home if you are sick
 
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me at

Stay safe,
Mike Bodker
Mayor, City of Johns Creek