Nov. 16, 2020
COVID-19 Update:
From the Desk of Mayor Mike Bodker
Greetings, the following overview, data points, and charts provide a high-level snapshot update on the state of the coronavirus in Johns Creek and in Fulton County.
 
We are seeing case counts rise on across national, state, county and city levels. There is no way to spin the numbers from the update report as it shows coronavirus spread in case counts within Johns Creek and Fulton county.
 
In the past two weeks (reporting weeks of 10/24 to 11/6) there were more new cases of COVID-19 in Fulton County than in the previous two weeks (reporting weeks of 10/10 to 10/23).
 
The CDC guidelines are important steps we can take and continue to take to help stop the spread of the virus. These guidelines include wearing a mask when appropriate, cleaning and disinfecting surfaces, washing your hands, and practice 6-foot social distancing.
 
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 13, 2020). In the table below, specific data for Johns Creek is highlighted for reference.
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While Johns Creek remains among the fewest total case counts of all the major cities in North Fulton County (as of 11/13/2020) and the city has undergone a slight increase in case count (4.5%) over a 14 day period. We cannot ignore the 42.7% increase in new diagnoses between the 14 days (10/24 to 11/6) preceding the most recent 7 days and the 14 days preceding that (10/10 to 10/23).
 
This increase still represents a bump in new diagnosis. The last update I shared on November 9, 2020 showeda 60.3% increase in new diagnoses two weeks ago and the overall Incidence Rate continues to rise (163.8 in the chart below) to a level we haven’t seen in a long time. 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 (163.8 per 100,000 persons on November 13 compared to the rate a month ago of 69.3 on October 15) – a measure which calculates the rate of new diagnoses in the last 14 day period preceding the immediate past week. Again, this increase in new diagnoses has been continuing to rise 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.
 
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 170.6 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 11/15/2020.
As the city stays in touch with local hospitals and emergency rooms, the overview report shows an increase in infection rates and new cases which are close to the levels of where we were in April of this year. Together we can concentrate on taking care of ourselves and others in our community. To create lasting changes we need to be prepared, diligent and consider older adults and people who have certain underlying conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes because they are at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19.
 
We cannot lose sight of what we all need to do to stop the spread of the coronavirus. I urge you to continue safe and healthy practices and follow the guidelines set by the Center 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 mike.bodker@johnscreekga.gov.

Stay safe,
Mike Bodker
Mayor, City of Johns Creek