Coronavirus Case Counts on the Rise
Like each of you, I too am worn down by the seemingly ever-present pandemic. We have all been hearing about and fighting this invisible enemy for more than an entire year. And like you, I really thought it would all be over by now, but unfortunately, it’s not gone away.
Our goal is to take care of each and every one of our family members, our loved ones, and our community members. And to do that we all need to do everything we can to help stop the spread of this virus.
I also trust individuals to make personal decisions – considering themselves, their families, and others. Please use your best judgement for our overall safety. I recommend everyone follow the guidance from the CDC and continue to socially distance, try to avoid large crowds (especially indoors), consider wearing a mask when indoors (especially if you’ve not been vaccinated), and wash your hands.
Helped by the spread of the contagious delta variant, coronavirus cases in Fulton County and in Johns Creek have risen over the past 14-day reporting cycle according to the Fulton County Board of Health and the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH). The Incidence Rate in the City of Johns Creek, according to the August 13 Epidemiology Report from Fulton County Board of Health, is at 221.2 which is an increase of more than 320 percent when compared to the preceding 14-day reporting period.
While there is a 320 percent increase in new diagnosis, the actual numbers over the past two weeks show there were 141 more new diagnoses between the most recent 14 days (7/24 to 8/6) preceding the most recent 7 days and the 14 days preceding that (7/10 to 7/23). Even with 141 new cases, any jump in new diagnoses is not the direction we are seeking as we don’t want to return to case counts witnessed at the beginning of the year. 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.
For those of you who wish to get vaccinated, and in Georgia all residents age 12 and over are eligible for the vaccine, you can pre-register for the COVID -19 vaccine by visiting: myvaccinegeorgia.com
Vaccinations Are Available
According to the Georgia Department of Public Health, 55 percent of all Fulton County residents have received at least one dose of the vaccine and 48 percent of the county has been fully vaccinated.
Additionally, the CDC recently announced guidelines for COVID-19 Vaccines for Moderately to Severely Immunocompromised People. The CDC now recommends that people whose immune systems are compromised moderately to severely should receive an additional dose of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine after the initial 2 doses (at least 28 days after a second dose of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.)
CDC does not recommend additional doses or booster shots for any other population at this time. According to the CDC people who are moderately to severely immunocompromised are especially vulnerable to COVID-19 because they are more at risk of serious, prolonged illness and people who have compromised immune systems may benefit from an additional dose to make sure they have enough protection against COVID-19.
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.
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.
Please note, the Pfizer-BioNTech is the only vaccine currently authorized for 12-17-year-olds. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, about 198 million people have received at least one dose of a Covid-19 vaccine, including about 168.4 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.
