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.
Superintendent Gives Update Board on COVID-19
Board of Education, Community, Education August 25, 2021
CLEVELAND, Ga – Superintendent Laurie Burkett gave the Board of Education an update on how the school system is doing amid the new strain of COVID. She puts out a community update on Fridays with the most current positive cases only.
“We had thought COVID was gone away, COVID has not gone away. We deal with it every day, we watch those numbers every single day,” stated Burkett.
Last Friday, there were 17 reported positive cases at the middle school since coming back from the weekend there are an additional 13 cases. There are currently 14 positive cases among the staff which included seven teachers. Five are set to return to work this week.
The report that will be given out on Friday will not include the cases that have already returned to school. Those that have been exposed and asymptomatic individuals are strongly encouraged to wear masks. There has been a pause put in place for visitors into the school, as well as a pause on the use of water fountains in the schools.
Other things have been done to help prevent the spread. The district meeting will be held virtually this year. The lunchrooms are spread out as much as they can be, and in some of the elementary school students are having lunch in the classrooms to make more space in the cafeteria. Classroom lunches are spread out as well.
For more information about COVID in White, County schools visit their homepage at https://www.white.k12.ga.us/
Superintendent Laurie Burkett giving her reports to the board.
Burkett additionally gave the current count of how many students are enrolled in White County schools. The count is a 10 count. There are currently 3,845 students with 37 of those being pre-k students. This means the school system has 53 more students than last school year.
“Comparing apples to apples, we ended up this past school year with at 37,055 so we are up about 53 students right now,” committed Burkett.
School Projects
Assistant Superintendent Scott Justus gave the board an update on current projects that they have previously approved. The new stadium seats have been delayed due to materials and labor shortages. The hope is to have the seats in by the second home game
For more information about the stadium seats visit https://white.fetchyournews.com/2021/05/28/board-of-education-accepts-grant-pre-k-classrooms/
The six new buses that have been ordered have also been delayed due to materials and labor shortages. The buses will hopefully arrive for use at the schools by next week.
The parking lot projects have almost all been completed with the expected of the road leading from the main road to the Mossy Creek school. The schools that have been completed are Jack P. Nix, Tesnatee Gap, and Mt. Yonah.
Justus also made an ESPLOST request for $77,100.96 for new equipment for the schools. His request will be voted on at the regular meeting on Thursday, August 26.
Director of School Improvement Cindy Free presented the board with her Strategic Plan Update and the District Improvement Plan drafts. The two work together to create a plan for the district. The District Improvement Plan had three goals to be addressed this school year.
Free broke them into categories, the first being academic. The academic goal is for 65% of kids in kindergarten through second grade to meet expected growth on their MAP test, and also for there to be a 3% improvement on the Milestone test.
The second was the graduation rate. The goal is to have a 92% or higher graduation rate for the class of 2022.
Free’s last category was social and emotional. Her goal for that is to decrease the number of kids in sixth through twelfth grade that self-harm on more than three occasions.
Director of School Improvement Cindy Free delivering her presentation for the Strategic Plan and the District Improvement Plan.
“The district improvement plan is very specific, there are certain things we have to do every year in order to do it. So we are really trying to make this a cohesive, flowing, one kind of thing, this is what we do in White County,” explained Free.
The board approved the early graduation request for Ethan Johnston.
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.
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?
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 in 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].
District 2 Public Health announces changes for COVID testing
News, Press Release January 5, 2021
PRESS RELEASE
GAINESVILLE, GA – Public health continues to adjust schedules for services to provide more capacity for Covid-19 vaccinations. To best utilize our public health staff, changes will be made at the testing sites in Hall and Franklin County.
The testing site at Franklin County Health Department will close after Friday, January 8.
The testing site in Hall County, beginning January 11, will be open on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8:30 am to 12:00 pm. There will be no Saturday testing.
As previously announced, beginning on January 11, testing will be offered between 8:00 am to 9:00 am only, for symptomatic first responders, school employees and court system personnel by appointment at all 13 health departments. This change will help meet the demand for providing vaccines to more people as we work through the phases identified by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Beginning January 11, adults 65 years of age and older can receive the Covid-19 vaccine (based on vaccine availability). Residents should continue to monitor our web page www.phdistrict2.org, Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/district2publichealth and local media for announcements for vaccine availability.
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!
Pavilion Rentals & New Exhibits coming to Safari Drive Thru
Community August 27, 2020
New-Pavilion Rental!
Looking to gather with your family but still needing to social distance? NGWP offers a great option! The pavilion is great for large gatherings, it is 30 by 60 ft which allows groups to gather while still being able to keep at distance. Enjoy the beautiful scenery of NGWP while you get some much needed fellowship.
Our Pavilion can be rented for $250 for up to 2 hours, $50 for each additional hour. Included with the rental fee is Safari Drive Thru passes for up to 20 people. For more info call 706-348-7279
NEW EXPERIENCES COMING TO THE NORTH GEORGIA SAFARI DRIVE THRU
When COVID-19 began to take hold in Georgia, like many businesses, the North Georgia Wildlife Park was forced to become creative. That’s when the Safari Drive Thru was born! This is an experience that allows families to enjoy dozens of animals while practicing social distancing from the safety of their own automobile.
The Drive Thru was an immediate success, and literally thousands of people have experienced it since it began.
Hope Bennett, (co-owner/co-director of the Park), however, is not one to rest on her past success. Hope explains, “It’s time for us to take the Safari Drive Thru to the next level. So, this fall we will be adding new animals, new interactive exhibits, and special drive thru experiences for Halloween and Christmas! Stay tuned because the best is yet to come!”
The North Georgia Wildlife Park is located at 2912 Paradise Valley Road in Cleveland, GA. You can learn more about the park and all it offers at its website, www.ngwpark.com.
Guidelines for summer safety
News July 7, 2020
NEWS RELEASE
WHITE COUNTY, Ga. — Public Safety Director David Murphy issued the following guidelines to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and injury or illness from the summer heat.
As our community continues phased re-openings in light of COVID-19, please continue to follow the safety guidelines to prevent the spread, and don’t forget to prepare for the extreme heat that summer can bring, too.
Remember:
- Extreme heat events can happen anywhere and may occur quickly and without warning.
- Older adults, children, and sick or overweight individuals are disproportionately affected by extreme heat events.
- Humidity increases the feeling of heat as measured by a heat index.
- Exposing yourself to the sun or temperatures higher than 77 degrees Fahrenheit does not protect you from COVID-19.
- Never leave children, adults, or pets in a closed car.
The following tips can help you beat the heat:
- Stay cool indoors by using air conditioning, if possible.
- During extreme heat events, choose a cloth face covering that has breathable fabric, such as cotton, instead of polyester.
- Avoid strenuous and high-energy activities.
- If you’re outside, find shade. Wear a hat wide enough to protect your face.
- Wear loose, lightweight, and light-colored clothing.
- Check on family members and neighbors by phone or text to maintain social distancing and prevent the spread of COVID-19.
- Know the signs of heat-related illness like heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.
- Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. If you or someone you care for is on a special diet, ask a doctor how best to accommodate it.
- Do not use electric fans when the temperature outside is more than 95 degrees. Using fans could increase the risk of heat-related illness. Fans create air flow and a false sense of comfort, but do not reduce body temperature.
- Finally, if you are traveling, be sure to research what local rules are in place to slow the spread of COVID-19. They may affect your plans. To learn more about how to protect yourself from extreme heat, check out FEMA’s Extreme Heat Information Sheet on our website at www.whitecounty.net
We hope you enjoy your summer while staying healthy and safe!
For more information, contact White County EMA at (706) 865-9500 or visit www.ready.gov
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COVID-19 testing site changes effective June 28
Community, Health June 24, 2020
GAINESVILLE, GA – District 2 Public Health announces updates to specimen collection site (testing site) schedules effective June 28. Due to the much warmer summer temperatures, all sites will now close by 1:00 pm.
For convenience, an appointment is recommended at each of the Specimen Point of Collection sites. Please call your local health department to schedule an appointment for testing.
Here is a list of our sites and times of operation.
Forsyth County (Central Forsyth HS) Wednesday 8:30 am to 1:00 pm
Franklin County (Health Department) Tuesday 8:30 am to 1:00 pm
Friday 8:30 am to 1:00 pm
Habersham County (Health Department) Wednesday 8:30 am to 1:00 pm
Saturday 8:30 am to 12:00 pm
Hall County (Allen Creek Soccer Complex) Mon., Thurs. 8:30 am to 1:00 pm
Saturday 8:30 am to 12:00 pm
Sunday 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Lumpkin County (Health Department) Wednesday 8:30 am to 1:00 pm
Towns County (Health Department) Friday 8:30 am to 1:00 pm
Call your local health department for an appointment. PDF of new hours
UPDATE: COVID-19 status report 8/27
News April 3, 2020Updated 8/27 at 3 pm
Georgia Department of Public Heath (DPH) reported at 3 pm Thursday (Aug. 27) the state of Georgia reported 263,074 confirmed cases of COVID-19, 5,393 deaths and 24,127 have been hospitalized.
There are 478 confirmed cases in White County resulting in 10 deaths.
The DPH updates statistics daily at 3 p.m.
Operation changes to COVID-19 specimen collection sites
Health, Lifestyle June 2, 2020
GAINESVILLE, GA – Nine specimen collection sites operated jointly by the Georgia National Guard and Augusta University ended operations effective May 30. As of June 1, several sites changed their operating hours. Those interested in receiving a COVID-19 test are strongly encouraged to call and make an appointment.
The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) will continue to operate 136 specimen collection sites throughout the state, and encourages Georgians wanting to be tested for COVID-19 to contact their local health department to schedule an appointment.
During the early weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Georgia National Guard and Augusta University joined DPH in its testing efforts by providing a web-based screening and scheduling platform and additional specimen collection sites. To date, more than 44,000 people have been tested at AU Health and partnered sites.
“This partnership with the Guard and Augusta University was invaluable to the COVID-19 response in Georgia,” said Kathleen E. Toomey, M.D., M.P.H., Georgia Department of Public Health commissioner. “We are grateful for their service to all Georgians, and for the support and capacity they provided DPH to increase testing for COVID-19.”
The Guard will continue to provide staffing and logistical help at DPH specimen collection sites, as well as its mission of assisting DPH with testing residents and staff in long-term care facilities. Augusta University will provide ongoing specimen collections at its two sites in the Augusta area; Christenberry Fieldhouse in Augusta and Patriot’s Park in Columbia County.
COVID-19 testing is available to all Georgians, whether they have symptoms or not. Individuals wanting to be tested should contact their local health department to schedule an appointment at a location convenient to them. Contact information for local health departments and specimen collection sites can be found on the DPH website at dph.ga.gov. People can also use the AU Health ExpressCare app or call the hotline at 706-721-1852 to be scheduled at a DPH or AU Health-operated location.
For more information about COVID-19 visit https://dph.georgia.gov/novelcoronavirus or https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.