Sept. 13, 2021
COVID-19 & Vaccination Update:
From the Desk of Mayor Mike Bodker
COVID cases in Johns Creek are steady and still high

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, our community members. And to do that we all need to do everything we can to help stop the spread of this virus. 

Our schools continue to monitor COVID-19 cases across our community. Due to an increased and sustained levels of high community spread, Fulton County Schools has created a Mitigation Matrix, which aligns mitigation strategies to the potential of these increased numbers. In this matrix, as the level of infection in the wider community increases, the intensity of the district’s response increases as well. When the rate of infection declines, the intensity of the schools’ mitigation practices will relax.

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 Sept. 10 Epidemiology Report from Fulton County Board of Health, is at 309 which is an increase of 3.6% when compared to the preceding 14-day reporting period. The actual number of new cases for the same reporting period was 9 new diagnoses between the most recent 14 days (8/20 to 9/20) preceding the most recent 7 days and the 14 days preceding that (8/6 to 8/19).  

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. I would ask everyone to please use your best judgement for our community’s overall safety. I trust individuals to make the right decision – for themselves, for their families, and for our community. 

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
 
For those who have not been vaccinated or choose not to get vaccinated, please take the route of safety and enact precautionary measures to help reduce the spread of the virus. Follow the CDC guidelines as outlined at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/index.html. 

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 know each of us can make safe and informed decisions for the benefit of our community.
All Georgians age 12 and over are eligible to receive the vaccine.

Mobile Sites Open at Various Locations:

Residents can also take advantage of the Vaccines at the Libraries Program and Mobile Vaccination Sites. Locations change each week.
 
 
 
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.

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.

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.
Tracking the rise of COVID-19 cases in North Fulton
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has stated COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths continue to increase, especially in areas with higher levels of community transmission and lower vaccination coverage. 

Also, according to the latest Epidemiology Report f304.9221.2 which places Johns Creek below our neighboring cities where cases are also increasing (Milton at 364, Alpharetta 335, Roswell 348 and Sandy Springs 318).
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 risen 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.
In Johns Creek there were 9 more new diagnoses between the most recent 14 days (8/20 to 9/2) preceding the most recent 7 days and the 14 days preceding that (8/6 to 8/19). 
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