COVID-19 & Vaccination Update:
From the Desk of Mayor Mike Bodker
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Making Careful Progress
I would like to commend the residents of Johns Creek for doing everything you can to help slow the spread of the coronavirus. We are making steady and careful progress and that is supported by the data coming in from the latest Epidemiology Report from Fulton County Board of Health which shows an Incidence Rate of new cases at 13.2 – which is the lowest level since our weekly reporting began in September of 2020.
Generally, our levels of new diagnoses have gone unchanged and only 11 new cases were reported over the most recent 14-day period, down 31% over those two weeks. According to the latest Epidemiology Report from Fulton County Board of Health, the Incidence Rate in Johns Creek is 13.2 (for the two week reporting period of 5/26 to 6/8 when compared to the previous two weeks of (5/12 to 5/25). Remarkably, this rate is higher than our neighboring cities (Milton 5.2, Alpharetta 9.3, Roswell 11.9, and Sandy Springs 12.3). These levels are linked to a general decline of infections in our region as adults and children continue to receive vaccinations and take precautionary measures to reduce the spread of the coronavirus.
However, please also note that we are not free and clear as of yet. The COVID-19 risk for unvaccinated people in Fulton County is at a high level. An average of 42 cases per day were reported in Fulton County, a 29 percent increase from the average two weeks ago. Since the beginning of the pandemic, at least 1 in 11 residents have been infected, a total of 99,337 reported cases.
Vaccinations Are Rising
According to the Georgia Department of Public Health, FIFTY percent of all Fulton County residents have received at least one dose of the vaccine and more than TWO-FIFTHS of the county has been fully vaccinated. All Georgians age 12 and older are now eligible for the COVID vaccine. Please note, the Pfizer-BioNTech is the only vaccine currently authorized for 12-17-year-olds. And according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, about 176.3 million people have received at least one dose of a Covid-19 vaccine, including about 148.5 million people who have been fully vaccinated by Johnson & Johnson’s single-dose vaccine or the two-dose series made by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna.
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All Georgians age 12 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.
Fulton County residents can get a FREE COVID-19 vaccine at any Fulton County site without an appointment. For your second appointment, make sure enough time has passed since your first dose and bring your vaccination card. The vaccine is available for FREE to anyone age 12+. Parking is FREE. No ID is required. No appointment is needed.
Johnson and Johnson Vaccine Available at Select Sites: The Georgia International Convention Center and 4700 North Point Parkway sites are now offering Johnson & Johnson vaccine. You can choose this option when you schedule your appointment, or onsite.
Mobile Sites Open at Various Locations:
Before you go to any vaccination site, please be sure to check and see if an appointment is required. Certain sites do not permit a vaccine distribution 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.
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.
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Be Safe, Be Cautious, Be Respectful of Others!
Approximately four months ago, the city’s reported Incidence Rate was almost six times higher than what was reported for the latest two week reporting period. The latest Epidemiology Report from Fulton County Board of Health, demonstrates a sustained decrease and while Johns Creek has maintained a low Incidence Rate, other North Fulton cities have made marked improvements in the new diagnosis reduction (Atlanta 24.7, Johns Creek 13.2, Sandy Springs 12.3, Roswell 11.7, Alpharetta 9.3, and Milton 5.2). Please remember to respect others around you as many people have varying levels of comfort and concerns when it comes to coronavirus transmission and safety. I would urge you to continue to socially distance, avoid large crowds (especially indoors), wear a mask when indoors (especially if you’ve not been vaccinated) and wash your hands.
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According to state and local health agencies and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, because of high Covid-19 transmission in Fulton County, unvaccinated people are at a high risk. Vaccinated people are at lower risk. Cases have increased over the past week and are high. The number of hospitalized Covid patients has fallen in the Fulton County area. Deaths have remained at about the same level. The test positivity rate in Fulton County is relatively low, suggesting that testing capacity is adequate for evaluating Covid-19 spread in the area.
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In Johns Creek there were five fewer new diagnoses between the most recent 14 days (5/26 to 6/8) preceding the most recent 7 days and the 14 days preceding that (5/12 to 5/25). |
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The COVID-19 risk for unvaccinated people in Fulton County is at a high level. An average of 42 cases per day were reported in Fulton County, a 29 percent increase from the average two weeks ago. Since the beginning of the pandemic, at least 1 in 11 residents have been infected, a total of 99,337 reported cases. Right now, Fulton County is at a high risk for unvaccinated people. |
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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,
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Mike Bodker
Mayor, City of Johns Creek
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