March 22, 2021
COVID-19 & Vaccination Update:
From the Desk of Mayor Mike Bodker
Continue to Stay Cautious, Johns Creek!

We are making headway in the fight against coronavirus infections in our community. We’ve seen a sustained decline in the overall Incidence Rate in Johns and as of today, the overall Incidence Rate has decreased to levels which we experienced last October. But we’ve got to keep doing the right things for everyone around us: social distancing, avoiding anything but small gatherings, washing hands frequently, and wearing a mask when in public.
 
Johns Creek has seen a 32% decrease in transmission rates of COVID-19 over the past 14-day reporting period. Also, Johns Creek has one of the lowest Incidence Rate of all of the 15 cities in Fulton County.
 
The important next step is getting our community vaccinated.

Last week, Governor Kemp again expanded access to COVID-19 vaccines by allowing all residents of Georgia 55 and older access to the vaccine. Additionally, Georgia expanded vaccine access by including Pre-K thru 12 Educators & Staff; Adults with Intellectual & Development Disabilities & their Caregivers; Parents of Children with Complex Medical Conditions.
Those that are eligible may visit https://myvaccinegeorgia.com/ to pre-register for the COVID -19 vaccine. You can also visit the Georgia Department of Public Health vaccination information site: gta-vras.powerappsportals.us/

Residents over age 65 and those who do not have Internet access may call the 404-613-8150 from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on weekdays for more information about the vaccine. Call volume is high at peak times. If you are not able to get through, please try again later. The DPH asks residents to NOT report to the vaccine site without an appointment. No vaccines will be given without an appointment.
 
All individuals who are in need of second dose appointments will be contacted directly to schedule those appointments.

Please note that vaccine supplies are still extremely limited. In coming months, when greater quantities of the vaccine become available, it will be available to more people. In time, everyone who wants to the vaccine will be able to get it. 

VACCINE LOCATOR:
The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) is coordinating vaccine distributions to locations throughout Georgia. As part of this effort, the DPH has developed a "Vaccine Locator" tool where citizens can type in the name of a city or facility to see a filtered list of vaccination sites. For a specific look at vaccination sites in Johns Creek, please visit the city's DataHub at: https://datahub.johnscreekga.gov/pages/covid-vaccine

For additional information on the COVID-19 vaccine, please visit the Fulton County Board of Health COVID-19 vaccine page:

OTHER VACCINE PROVIDERS
In addition to Fulton County, private pharmacies and health providers also offer the COVID-19 vaccine. To view a list of other vaccine providers, please visit:  https://dph.georgia.gov/locations/covid-vaccination-site

MORE QUESTIONS?
Call the Fulton County Board of Health COVID-19 hotline at 404-613-8150. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. weekdays or the Georgia Department of Public Health COVID-19 Vaccine Hotline at (888) 357-0169.
According to state and local health agencies and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, cases have decreased over the past two weeks but are still very high

In the recent two week reporting period (2/27 to 3/12), there were fewer new cases of COVID-19 in Fulton County than the previous two weeks (2/13 to 2/26). The numbers of hospitalized COVID patients and deaths in the Fulton County area have also fallen. The test positivity rate in Fulton County is relatively low, suggesting that testing capacity is meeting current demand.
New diagnoses have decreased but this gain can be affected by a lack of care and attention to safety protocols. There were 37 fewer new diagnoses between the most recent 14 days (2/27 to 3/12) preceding the most recent 7 days and the 14 days preceding that (2/13 to 2/26).
While this past January was the worst month for cases in Fulton County, there was an average of 181 cases per day reported. That average is a 38 percent decrease from the average two weeks ago. Since the beginning of the pandemic, at least 1 in 12 residents have been infected, a total of 90,335 reported cases.
TESTING INFORMATION: 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
 
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me at

Please follow CDC guidelines and let’s CONTINUE to reduce our numbers.

Stay safe,
Mike Bodker
Mayor, City of Johns Creek