COVID-19 & Vaccination Update:
From the Desk of Mayor Mike Bodker
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A Sustained Decrease in COVID-19 Cases
As we look through the most recent data available on COVID-19 Incidence Rates across Johns Creek, North Fulton, and much of the metro-Atlanta area, I’m pleased to see continued decreases in new diagnoses. According to the Georgia Department of Public Health, as of last Friday (Oct. 22), the state-wide seven-day rolling average for new confirmed and suspected infections was 1,638, down more than 80% from the late August peak.
Many attribute the recent decrease in new cases to the continued efforts of our residents and community members doing the right things to stop the spread of the virus. Throughout the pandemic, Johns Creek has almost always been the city with the fewest incidence rate increases when compared to our north Fulton neighbors.
The data trend is indeed positive news. I will also continue to share cautious and safe advice based on what happened over a 30 day period earlier this year (from late July to late August) when the Incidence Rate in Johns Creek exploded six-fold (from 49 on 7/28/21 up to 304 on 8/27/21).
I continue to urge safety and ask that we all please be cautious as we approach the holiday season and begin to gather our family members, our loved ones, and our community members. I would ask everyone to please use your best judgement for our community’s overall safety. I wholeheartedly trust our residents to make the right decisions and the best choices for our community’s overall safety. I trust individuals to make the right decision – for themselves, for their families, and for our community. Please keep making the right choice so we can continue to bring our numbers down and stop the spread of the virus.
The Incidence Rate for the City of Johns Creek has fallen by almost 40% over the past 30 days.
Coronavirus cases, hospitalizations, and deaths have all declined in Fulton County and in Johns Creek. 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 fell to 99 which is a decrease of 30% when compared to the preceding 14-day reporting period. The actual number of new cases for the same reporting period was 36 fewer new diagnoses between the most recent 14 days (10/2 to 10/15) preceding the most recent 7 days and the 14 days preceding that (9/18 to 10/1).
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stated on Thursday (Oct. 21, 2021) that CDC Director Rochelle P. Walensky, M.D., M.P.H., endorsed the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ (ACIP) recommendation for a booster shot of COVID-19 vaccines in certain populations. The Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) and CDC’s recommendation for use are important steps forward as we work to stay ahead of the virus and keep Americans safe. Approximately 220 million people have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, including about 190 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.
Approximately 12.8 million have received an additional vaccine dose since Aug. 13, the day after the F.D.A. opened up eligibility for third shots for some people with weakened immune systems. This figure also includes people who have gotten a booster dose, which the F.D.A. authorized on Sept. 22 for Pfizer-BioNTech recipients over 65 or at high risk of severe Covid-19.
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
Many Georgia adults who originally got the Pfizer vaccine can now get booster shots, as outlined by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC recommends that the following groups should receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 Vaccine at least 6 months after completing their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series (i.e., the first 2 doses of a COVID-19 vaccine):
· people aged 65 years and older
· residents aged 18 years and older in long-term care settings
I recommend everyone follow the guidance from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention 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.
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.
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.
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Incidence Rates for COVID-19 cases in North Fulton
Also, according to the latest Epidemiology Report, Johns Creek is showing a slightly higher Incidence Rate than a few of our neighboring cities where cases are also gradually declining (Milton at 115, Roswell 113, Johns Creek 99, Alpharetta 97 and Sandy Springs 96).
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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 very high risk. Vaccinated people are at lower risk.
An average of 94 cases per day were reported in Fulton County, a 65 percent decrease from the average two weeks ago. Since the beginning of the pandemic, at least 1 in 8 residents have been infected, a total of 131,590 reported cases. Right now, Fulton County is at a high risk for unvaccinated people.
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In Johns Creek 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 fell to 99.2 which is a decrease of 30% when compared to the preceding 14-day reporting period. The actual number of new cases for the same reporting period was 36 fewer new diagnoses between the most recent 14 days (10/2 to 10/18) preceding the most recent 7 days and the 14 days preceding that (9/18 to 10/1).
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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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