April 12, 2021
COVID-19 & Vaccination Update:
From the Desk of Mayor Mike Bodker
Stay Smart, Stay Safe, and Get Vaccinated!

Today’s COVID-19 Update marks the eighth month we have reported on the important data behind the state of the coronavirus in our community. Over that time we have seen both the rise and fall of infection rates in Johns Creek as we have battled against a deadly virus that has changed the way we think about everyday life. I am proud of the small improvements our residents have made over the past several weeks as our efforts have somewhat stabilized the spread of the virus. 

The data shows that over the past two weeks, while we had a modest overall increase in the Incidence Rate in Johns Creek (for the two week reporting period from 3/20 – 4/2), there was also an overall decline in new cases of COVID-19 in Fulton County than the previous two weeks (3/6 – 3/19). 
 
I still need to point out the slight increase (a 6% increase in Johns Creek) in the city’s transmission rates of COVID-19 over the past 14-day reporting period. Even with one of the lowest Incidence Rate of all of the 15 cities in Fulton County, we need to stay safe and continue to practice social distancing, avoiding anything but small gatherings, washing hands frequently, and wearing a mask when in public. We can’t afford to return to January or February infection rates.
  
Let’s support our community getting vaccinated.
 
All Georgians age 16 and over are eligible to receive the vaccine. And there are a number of ways you and your family members can sign up to get the vaccine. COVID-19 vaccines can protect you and your family. The vaccines are safe and offered at no charge.

To make an appointment, please visit the Georgia Department of Public Health vaccination information site: https://gta-vras.powerappsportals.us/
Thousands of COVID-19 vaccine appointments are now available at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. This mega-site offers free parking and evening and weekend appointments. The site is fully ADA Access is available, including wheelchairs. Language translation is available, including American Sign Language. No Insurance? No problem. Simply state “no insurance” for that question on the appointment form. No ID is required when you arrive for your appointment.
Please do NOT report to any vaccine site without an appointment. No vaccines will be given without an appointment.

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.
 
All individuals who are in need of second dose appointments will be contacted directly to schedule those appointments.
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 data hub 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: https://fultoncountyga.gov/covid-19/covid-vaccine
 
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.
 
Even after receiving the vaccine, it is important to continue to wearing masks, practicing social distancing, and washing hands frequently.
NOTE: There was an 6.1 percent increase in the case counts in Johns Creek in the recent two week reporting period (3/20 to 4/2), when compared to the previous two weeks (3/6 to 3/19).
According to state and local health agencies and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, county-wide cases have stayed about the same over the past two weeks and are still very high. 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. In Johns Creek, there were 4 more new diagnoses between the most recent 14 days (3/20 to 4/2) preceding the most recent 7 days and the 14 days preceding that (3/6 to 3/19).
While this past January was the worst month for cases in Fulton County, there was an average of average of 155 cases per day were reported in Fulton County, about the same as the average two weeks ago. Since the beginning of the pandemic, at least 1 in 11 Fulton County residents have been infected, a total of 93,650 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