Jan. 4, 2021
COVID-19 Update:
From the Desk of Mayor Mike Bodker
Happy New Year Johns Creek.
 
I would like to thank those of you who adhered to safe and healthy practices this past holiday season. Please continue to do your part and take the critical efforts and actions to stop the spread of this infectious and dangerous virus.
 
While we won’t know the effects or impact which unrestrained holiday gatherings and travel will have on our Johns Creek community until several weeks, we do know that in the two week period ending December 22, Johns Creek saw a 31% increase in new COVID-19 cases.
 
Let’s work to keep our families and loved ones safe. This past year has been difficult to heartbreaking for many of us. An increasing number of our friends and family members know someone within their circle of acquaintances who are sick. We can and must do better. We are now in the first week of 2021 and my hope is that everyone continues to take steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19:

  • Wear a mask. 
  • Stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arm lengths) apart.
  • Avoid crowds and poorly ventilated indoor spaces.
  • Wash your hands. 
  • Stay home if you’re sick. 
  • Get a flu shot as soon as possible.

Remember, the more steps you and your family can take to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the safer you will be.
 
Infection rates in our city have been climbing I urge you to follow guidelines and information from trusted sources to stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus. There are authorized and recommended vaccines to prevent COVID-19 in the United States, but please know the experts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have assembled a list of important things you all need to know about the U.S. COVID-19 Vaccination Program.  For more information on the COVID-19 Vaccination Program and COVID-19 vaccines please visit:  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/8-things.html

I am saddened to report that over the past two weeks (reporting weeks of 12/9 to 12/22) there were more than 6,713 new cases of COVID-19 in Fulton County.  In that same period, there were 520 new cases in the City of Johns Creek, which represents a 31.3 % increase in new diagnoses.
 
The latest report shows new diagnoses in Johns Creek over the past 14-day reporting period trail only those of Atlanta (2,692) Sandy Springs (788), and Roswell (588). No city wishes to lead the county in new cases but we all have to continue to be vigilant and do the appropriate things to decrease the spread of the virus.
 
We have collected important data from the health experts at the Fulton County Board of Health, The Georgia Department of Public Health, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention regarding the spread of the virus with the region and in the city.

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 29, 2020). In the table below, specific data for Johns Creek is highlighted for reference.
The city has consistently realized an increase in case count (5.7%) over a 14 day period. The rise in new diagnoses is concerning as more than 124 new diagnoses between the most recent 14 days (12/9 to 12/22) preceding the most recent 7 days and the 14 days preceding that (11/25 to 12/8).
 
The graph below is important as our city has seen the overall Incidence Rate continue to rise (621.7 in the chart below) to levels which we have not seen in the city. 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 (621.7 per 100,000 persons on December 29 compared to the rate a month ago of 251.1 on December 1) – a measure which calculates the rate of new diagnoses in the last 14 day period preceding the immediate past week.
 
The county-wide New Diagnosis Rate is at 610.7 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 1/4/2021.
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

Let’s stay safe and healthy this New Year!

Stay safe,
Mike Bodker
Mayor, City of Johns Creek