Dec. 7, 2020
COVID-19 Update:
From the Desk of Mayor Mike Bodker
Hello Johns Creek,
 
As we move forward into December and the holiday season, I ask you to please continue to do everything we can to decrease the chances of getting or spreading COVID-19 or the flu. That means taking the advice of the health experts at the Fulton County Board of Health, The Georgia Department of Public Health, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These organizations are critical information and guidance sources that each of us should follow and learn from as we seek to stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
 
There is some positive news about vaccines which you should know about. Recently the CDC posted the following to its website:
 
Currently, clinical trials are evaluating investigational COVID-19 vaccines in many thousands of study participants to generate scientific data and other information for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to determine their safety and effectiveness. These clinical trials are being conducted according to the rigorous standards set forth by FDA in their June 2020 guidance document, Development and Licensure of Vaccines to Prevent COVID-19 external icon. If FDA determines that a vaccine meets its safety and effectiveness standards, it can make these vaccines available for use in the United States by approval or emergency use authorization.
 
While this is positive news, it should not take away from the fact that cases continue to increase rapidly across the United States. The rise in cases continues to be of concern as 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 dramatic trajectory of new diagnoses has been continuing for almost two months straight. I again stress the importance of wearing a mask, limiting your exposure to enclosed indoor areas, and practicing social distancing. Each and every member of our city and community must do what we can to address the spread of this infection.
 
In the past two weeks (reporting weeks of 11/14 to 11/27) there were more than 3,241 new cases of COVID-19 in Fulton County.
In that same period, there were 247 new cases in the City of Johns Creek, which represents a 33.5 % increase in new diagnoses.
 
We’ve previously reported that case counts in Johns Creek are among the lower portion when compared to the other major cities in North Fulton County. But that is no longer the case. The latest report shows new diagnoses in Johns Creek over the past 14-day reporting period trail only those of Atlanta (1,394) Sandy Springs (373) and Roswell (263). Climbing the charts is not taking steps to address the spread of the virus. We can and must do better.
 
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 December 4, 2020). In the table below, specific data for Johns Creek is highlighted for reference.
The city has consistently realized an increase in case count (5.17%) over a 14 day period. The rise in new diagnoses is concerning as more than 60 new diagnoses between the most recent 14 days (11/14 to 11/27) preceding the most recent 7 days and the 14 days preceding that (10/31 to 11/13).
 
The graph below is important as our city has seen the overall Incidence Rate continue to rise (295.3 in the chart below) to levels which are of alarm. 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 (295.3 per 100,000 persons on December 4 compared to the rate a month ago of 126.7 on November 3rd) – 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 249.9 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 12/6/2020.
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
 
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