Metro Atlanta Health Care Systems address rapid spread of COVID-19
Press Release December 30, 2021
JOINT PRESS RELEASE
ATLANTA — Six major health systems that serve metro Atlanta and the state of Georgia have unified to address the public regarding the latest COVID-19 impacts and the result of the rapid spread of the Delta and Omicron variants.
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Emory Healthcare, Grady Health System, Northeast Georgia Health System, Piedmont Healthcare and Wellstar Health System are once again experiencing a staggering surge in adults and children with COVID-19 symptoms and diagnoses.
Collectively, the health care systems have experienced 100 to 200 percent increases in COVID-19 hospitalizations in the past eight days and the vast majority of inpatients are unvaccinated. This comes at a time when the health systems are preparing for an influx of patients with seasonal flu.
Emergency room activity has also increased significantly for both emergent and non-emergent situations, including those seeking COVID-19 testing without the need for further care or treatment. To keep emergency rooms available to individuals who have the most critical health needs, individuals should obtain care at the most appropriate medical facility for their condition and seek COVID-19 testing at primary care locations, public health and mass testing sites or use at-home testing kits.
While hospitals in metro Atlanta and throughout Georgia have best practices in place to actively manage capacity and provide high-quality patient care, we need the public’s help and support.
Doing the following will help us all navigate this significant wave, minimize serious illness and hospitalizations from COVID, and better manage Emergency Room diversions and wait times at our facilities:
- Get fully vaccinated for COVID-19, obtain the COVID-19 booster when eligible and get the seasonal flu vaccine.
- Go to the most appropriate medical facility for your condition when you require care – and do not delay care if you are in need of immediate medical attention.
Please remember that Emergency Rooms are for those seeking examination and treatment for medical emergencies, not for routine COVID-19 testing or mild symptoms.
- Please only call 911 with a true emergency. Local 911 operators and EMTs are overwhelmed with calls, so if there is not a real emergency, please call your medical provider for guidance.
- Use at-home testing kits, public health testing locations or independent testing facilities if you need to be tested for COVID-19 unless you are ill and need medical care.
- For routine COVID-19 tests, you can find a location near you on the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) website at: dph.georgia.gov/covidtesting.
- Consult your provider for appropriate treatment options if you are diagnosed with COVID-19.
- Continue to actively follow CDC and DPH guidelines, and practice the “3 Ws” safety easures – wear a mask, wash your hands, and watch your distance.
- Anticipate increased wait times for medical services. Due to the influx of patients and increased demands placed on our health care workforce, we ask everyone who enters our facilities to practice patience and kindness with each other and with our care team members who are providing expert, compassionate care.
The health and safety of our patients and communities remains our top priority. The six metro Atlanta health care systems will continue to work together to educate and inform the public regarding COVID-19 and address the most critical health needs impacting our area. We also would like to express our appreciation to the Governor for his support of our workforce and the newly announced funding to address staffing shortages at hospitals across the state due to COVID-19, and to the Georgia Department of Public Health for continued outreach to the public regarding issues affecting our patients, care team members and community.
COVID-19 vaccine moving off-site at some health department locations
Community, News September 20, 2021
GAINESVILLE – In anticipation of the upcoming flu season and to prepare for the approval of the COVID-19 booster dose for the general population, District 2 Health Departments will be re-opening some of its off-site COVID-19 mass vaccination sites.
Approval for the booster dose is still pending; however, starting Monday, September 20, Forsyth and Hall County will move to their designated off-site locations to begin administering Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines. The district will not administer booster doses until approval and guidance is granted by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and FDA.
The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) will await recommendations from the CDC and ACIP before releasing a plan to administer booster doses of Pfizer COVID vaccine in Georgia. The FDA’s discussion and review of data about the need for COVID vaccine boosters is a first step in the process; the same questions will be considered by ACIP during meetings currently scheduled for Sept. 22-23. When CDC/ACIP provide recommendations and guidelines for booster shots, DPH has the inventory to quickly ramp up access to Pfizer COVID vaccine statewide.
“We anticipate an increase in traffic in our health departments with the administration of both the COVID booster dose and flu vaccine,” said Dr. Zachary Taylor, District 2 Public Health Director. “By moving our COVID-19 operation off-site, we will alleviate the influx of people inside our waiting rooms.”
Forsyth County Health Department will operate its COVID-19 mass vaccination site at Northside Forsyth Hospital, Suite 360, located at 1200 Northside Forsyth Dr. Cumming, GA 30041.
Hall County will operate its mass vaccine site from the Chicopee Woods Agricultural Center, located at 1855 Calvary Church Rd., Gainesville, GA 30507.
The hours of operation for both sites are Monday through Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm and Saturday 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Appointments are not required. If an individual prefers to schedule an appointment, they may do so using the VRAS scheduling system via the District 2 Public Health website. Hours of operation and locations may change due to demand. Reference the schedule of locations and hours posted on the public health website to ensure the vaccine site in your county is operational.
For more information on the COVID-19 booster dose visit the CDC website to learn more.
COVID-19 Vaccines available May 4-6 by appointment or walkup
Press Release April 28, 2021
PRESS RELEASE
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — In partnership with District 2 Public Health, Forsyth County will be offering COVID-19 vaccines to eligible residents Tuesday, May 4, through Thursday, May 6, at the Forsyth Conference Center at Lanier Technical College (3410 Ronald Reagan Blvd.). Vaccines are available by appointment and walk-ups will also be accepted.
Information regarding the appointment process in multiple languages can be found by clicking here. Vaccines will be administered during the following hours:
Tuesday, May 4: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Wednesday, May 5: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Thursday, May 6: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Eligible residents can click here to request an appointment through the Georgia Department of Public Health’s registration system. Please note, the registration tool offers multiple locations throughout the state where vaccines are available. Forsyth County residents seeking an appointment are encouraged to select the Forsyth Conference Center at Lanier Technical College location. Appointments can also be made by calling 1-888-426-5073.
The vaccination event is made possible by a FEMA grant which also allows Forsyth County’s Public Transportation Department the ability to provide a ride to and from the vaccination site for County residents in need of transportation. Residents are eligible for two total round trips at no cost. To arrange transportation for a scheduled vaccine appointment, call 770-781-2195.
For information on COVID-19 vaccines, please click here. More vaccination events in partnership with District 2 Public Health will be announced as vaccine supply is made available.
COVID-19 vaccine appointments available April 12
Press Release April 7, 2021
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — In partnership with District 2 Public Health, Forsyth County will be offering COVID-19 vaccines to eligible residents, by appointment only, on Monday, April 12, at the Forsyth Conference Center at Lanier Technical College (3410 Ronald Reagan Blvd.).
Beginning at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, April 7, eligible residents can click here to request an appointment through the Georgia Department of Public Health’s registration system. Please note, the registration tool offers multiple locations throughout the state where vaccines are available. Forsyth County residents seeking an appointment are encouraged to select the Forsyth Conference Center at Lanier Technical College location. Appointments can also be made by calling 1-888-426-5073.
The vaccination event is made possible by a FEMA grant, approved by the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners during their March 4 meeting.
“We are pleased to have received grant funding to provide more vaccination appointments for residents,” said Forsyth County EMA Director Chris Grimes. “The grant, which is a 100% match from FEMA, allows us to acquire additional equipment needed, to hire additional medical staff, rent the space needed for the event and to provide public outreach.”
The FEMA grant also allows Forsyth County’s Public Transportation Department the ability to provide a ride to and from the vaccination site for County residents in need of transportation. Residents are eligible for two total round trips at no cost. To arrange transportation for a scheduled vaccine appointment, call 770-781-2195.
For information on COVID-19 vaccines, please click here. More vaccination events in partnership with District 2 Public Health will be announced as vaccine supply is made available.
Northside opens new vaccine clinics
News, Press Release March 7, 2021
PRESS RELEASE
The Northside Hospital System continues to broaden its COVID-19 vaccine distribution to the community with vaccine clinics opening in Canton, Cumming, Lawrenceville, Roswell and Sandy Springs.
Beginning Monday, March 8, the following groups will be eligible for vaccine appointments:
- Health care workers
- Residents and staff of long-term care facilities
- Adults aged 65+ and their caregivers (caregivers do not need to be 65+)
- Workforce in licensed or exempt childcare programs, Pre-K, and K-12 programs
- Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their caregivers
- Parents of children with complex medical conditions
Appointments are required.
Northside is administering vaccines based on current supply and cannot confirm which first dose you will receive prior to your appointment. If you have questions about your vaccine appointment or for more information, please contact [email protected].
Please visit the Georgia Department of Public Health for more information about the vaccine, current eligibility and the rollout to the community.
For more information, visit https://www.northside.com/covid-19.
Ask The Doc! Breast Implant Lymphoma and Throat Cancer
Lifestyle March 7, 2021
This morning, the doctors discuss Breast Implant Lymphoma. How common is it? Did the Surgeon make a mistake? The Doctors also touch on Throat Cancer of the Epiglottis. Is the treatment plan correct? The doctors also discuss Covid-19 and the vaccine. What’s True And What’s False? Which of the Vaccines is the most effective?
Ask The Doc! Types Of Breast Cancer And The Flu Season
Community February 28, 2021
This week, the doctors discuss the different types of breast cancer. They also touch on a question from a viewer regarding the treatment of their husband’s heart tumors. Is he getting the right treatment? What happened to Flu Season? What’s the latest on Covid-19? All this and more on Ask The Doc!
Ask The Doc: Long Term Effects of Surviving Cancer
Just For Fun, Lifestyle February 14, 2021
This week, Dr. Whaley and Dr. Raymond Tidman discuss some questions sent in by viewers. They touch on the long term effects of Cancer and some possible complications of surviving cancer. They also discuss how to know when you’re cured of cancer. Is there anyway to prevent future complications for cancer survivors? The doctors also discuss the current numbers of cancer survivors compared to in the past.
Forsyth County to administer COVID-19 vaccines in February
Featured Stories February 1, 2021
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Pfizer vaccines will be administered over four days at two locations
Forsyth County, in partnership with Northside Hospital Forsyth and other community partners, will be administering the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccination to eligible residents, by appointment only, Feb. 4, 8, 9 and 10.
Currently, residents that qualify for Group 1A+ (healthcare workers, long-term care facility staff/residents, adults 65+ and their caregivers, and law enforcement personnel) are eligible to make an appointment at the following locations/dates and times:
- Thursday and Wednesday, Feb. 4 and 10, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Browns Bridge Church (3860 Browns Bridge Road);
- Monday and Tuesday, Feb. 8 and 9, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. First Redeemer Church (2100 Peachtree Pkwy.)
- To make an appointment for the vaccine, visit the main page of Forsyth County government website, forsythco.com.
“After our successful vaccine events held in January, we have been working to be able to provide this opportunity for residents again,” said County Manager Kevin Tanner. “Now that we have available vaccines provided by the Health Department, we encourage those residents that are eligible to receive the vaccine to register for an appointment.”
The vaccine provided at the events will be for those seeking their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Residents that received their first Moderna vaccine dose in January have already been scheduled for their second dose appointment.
The vaccination events in February will be utilizing the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine which requires a second dose to be administered 21 days following the first. A return appointment for the second dose will be made when residents receive the first dose.
The County’s vaccine distribution is intended to supplement that of Public Health. Vaccines will continue to be provided by private physicians, pharmacies and Public Health, as available.
Information regarding the Georgia Department of Public Health’s vaccine distribution phase plan, including the criteria for each phase group, can be found by clicking here, or by visiting the Georgia Department of Public Health’s website, dph.georgia.gov.
Visit forsythco.com for more county news and information.
Ask The Doc! Gastric Bypass Complications And Sarcomas
Lifestyle January 31, 2021
This morning, the Doctors discuss Gastric Bypass Surgery and its complications. When is this surgery needed? What are its complications? They also answer a question regarding a Sarcoma. Dr. Whaley discusses why you shouldn’t google medical information. They also discuss the latest vaccine news. Who should be receiving the vaccine?
Two vaccine events set this week
News, Press Release January 24, 2021
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Forsyth County held two COVID-19 vaccination events last week, with two more completely booked, appointment-based events set for this week.
The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners recognized the need to increase the opportunity for residents to receive COVID-19 vaccines. County departments worked together to organize the events.
“Our Emergency Management Director Chris Grimes pulled together resources from the County’s Information Systems & Technologies, Fire Department and Sheriff’s Office, as well our partners at Northside Hospital and Public Health, to make these appointments available,” said County Manager Kevin Tanner. “We also greatly appreciate the two organizations from our faith community who are allowing us to use their facilities.”
Please note that all appointments for the week of Jan. 24 have been filled and future vaccination events are dependent upon vaccine availability. The County’s vaccine distribution is intended to supplement that of Public Health. Vaccines will continue to be provided by private physicians, pharmacies and Public Health, as available. For more information on participating vaccine sites, please click here. Sign up to receive County news, including information on COVID-19 vaccinations, at www.forsythco.com.
Information regarding the Georgia Department of Public Health’s vaccine distribution phase plan, including the criteria for each phase group, can be found by visiting the Georgia Department of Public Health’s website, www.dph.georgia.gov.
Ask the Doc! Cologuards and the Lance Armstrong Shot
Community January 24, 2021
Dr. William Whaley has returned for the new year and is ready to answer your questions about colonoscopies vs the Cologuard test and the other about Myelodysplasia and the Lance Armstrong shot.
Sen. Gooch reviews first week of Gen. Assembly
News, Press Release January 18, 2021
PRESS RELEASE
By: Sen. Steve Gooch (R – Dahlonega)
ATANTA — On Monday, Jan. 11, members of the Senate and the House officially gaveled in to begin the 2021 Legislative Session. The new session brings with it many familiar motions and procedures, including formally electing our President Pro Tempore, Secretary of the Senate, and Sergeant at Arms. All members of the General Assembly, both new and returning, were also officially sworn in to begin their new terms in office. In the Senate, we have eleven members who will be experiencing their first session with us and I am looking forward to getting to know them all as work to make Georgia as great as it can be.
While there were many similarities between this session and others I have experienced, new protocols have been introduced as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic that has drastically changed the way we do business at the Capitol. To start, all members of the General Assembly and Capitol staff are required to undergo COVID-19 testing twice a week. For those who test positive, a robust contact tracing program has been implemented to mitigate exposure of the virus. Additionally, seating in our committee rooms has been spaced out in order to socially distance committee members and new procedures have been introduced to promote fewer crowds on the Senate floor. I’m happy to report that testing and tracing has been working as intended and we are confident these measures will reduce the risk of an outbreak while we are in session.
Importantly, we are continuously working to get the COVID-19 vaccine to those in the most need. First, it is important to note that there are currently two different COVID-19 vaccines available in Georgia: Pfizer and Moderna. Both are proven to be effective and require two doses, but they differ in that Pfizer requires the doses being administered three weeks apart and Moderna requires 28 days. Right now, Georgia is receiving 120,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine each week and they are being deployed in three different phases. We are currently in the first (Phase 1), and doses are being administered to healthcare workers, employees and residents of long-term care facilities, first responders, and adults aged 65 and above. We will then move to the next phase which will include non-healthcare essential workers, followed by the final phase which will include those between the ages of 16-64 with preexisting medical conditions. If you fall into any of the groups that make up Phase 1, I encourage you to find a COVID-19 Vaccination Site near you and follow additional guidance from the Georgia Department of Public Health’s website.
On Thursday, we heard the annual State of the State Address delivered by Governor Brian Kemp. This speech highlighted a few of the Governor’s main budget priorities for the upcoming budget cycle, with a particular emphasis being placed on areas impacted by COVID-19. Specifically, the Governor is proposing $1.2 billion over the next few years to public education and $1,000 to go towards educators to ensure schools can reopen safely. Additionally, the Governor called for increased investment in rural broadband infrastructure, to expand high-speed internet access to communities such as ours.
Next week, these proposals will be examined in closer detail when members of the Senate and House Appropriations Committees will meet to examine the state’s current and projected budgetary needs. “Budget Week” is one of the most important times of any legislative session, perhaps none more important than the one we are about to witness. If you ever have any questions about any of the legislative proposals we take up, progress on COVID-19 vaccinations or any budgetary items, please feel free to contact my office.
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Sen. Steve Gooch serves as the Senate Majority Whip. He represents the 51st Senate District which includes Dawson, Fannin, Gilmer, Lumpkin, Union and White counties and portions of Forsyth and Pickens counties. He may be reached at 404.656.9221 or via email at [email protected].
Ask The Doc! Fighting Off Covid-19
Community, Lifestyle October 2, 2020
This morning, The doctors address a comment left on one of the Ask The Doc Segments. What drugs are good for fighting off Covid-19 or do we just wait on a vaccine? The Doctors also address the President and first lady testing positive for Covid-19. What do the Doctors have to say about testing positive with no symptoms? When could he have contracted the virus? How long has he had it? All this and more on Ask The Doc!
Ask The Doc! College And Covid-19
Lifestyle September 28, 2020
This morning, the doctors discuss how colleges are dealing with Covid-19. When a Student tests positive, the colleges continue classes and give the infected student their own quarantined dorm. Is this the approach we should be taking with everything? Should we worry over the numbers? Hear Doctor Whaley and Doctor Tidman’s point of view on this right here on Ask the Doc!
Cumming Country Fair & Festival cancelled
News, Press Release August 12, 2020PRESS RELEASE
CUMMING, Ga. – Leaders of the City of Cumming have made the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 Cumming Country Fair & Festival, which had been slated for Oct. 8-18. This marks the first time in the fair’s 26-year history that the event has been cancelled.
“This was, of course, a very tough decision to make because we know how much the Cumming Country Fair & Festival is loved by our community,” said Mayor Troy Brumbalow. “But given the ongoing public health situation surrounding COVID-19, we simply could not in good conscience hold this large-scale event this year.”
Some other Fairgrounds’ fall events are currently still scheduled to be held, such as the IPRA World Championship Rodeo over Labor Day Weekend and the American Cancer Society’s House of Four Scythes haunted attraction in October. These events are smaller in scale, allowing organizers to more easily monitor patrons to ensure current Georgia COVID-19 safety guidelines are practiced. However, the fair’s high attendance numbers combined with other concerns such as an inability to properly disinfect numerous highly touched surfaces and communal spaces, led City leaders to cancel the Cumming Country Fair & Festival for 2020.
“We hope conditions will be in place by fall of 2021 which will allow the Cumming Country Fair & Festival to return and be our biggest and best fair to date,” Brumbalow added.
However, there is some good news for patrons who may be craving a bit of the fair experience come this October. “We are working to create basically a ‘drive-thru’ service with walk-up capabilities on the weekend nights that the fair would have been held, in order for people to be able to come and take home some of their favorite fair foods,” Brumbalow said. “It’ll be similar to what you see now with many restaurants that do curbside pickup.”
More information about the fair food take-away service will be shared on the City of Cumming and Cumming Fairgrounds’ Facebook pages (Facebook.com/cummingcityhall and Facebook.com/cummingfair) in the coming weeks. For additional announcements and updates about all City of Cumming events, be sure to like and follow these pages.
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