COVID-19 UPDATE PAGE
Check here as often as you like for updates with COVID-19 more commonly known as the Coronavirus. County Officials are in communication on a daily basis with different regional and state officials regarding COVID-19 and we will do our best to keep you updated. Because of the large amount of information available and how quickly it updates we are including links to the Center for Disease Control CDC website as well as the Georgia Depart of Health website.
Please know that if any major changes take place we will notify you. We have several ways we communicate with the public and we use as many ways as possible to reach as many people as possible. Some of the ways we communicate include, website updates, social media, local news publications, and Facebook live. (Here’s the link to our Facebook page Dade County Georgia Facebook) If you don’t follow us on Facebook make sure to like our page and change us to "see first" in your notification settings.
Latest Information:
Isolation and Quarantine Calculator https://dph.georgia.gov/covid-quarantine-calculator
NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 27, 2022
Two COVID-19 Treatments No Longer Authorized for Use
Limited Efficacy Against Omicron
Atlanta – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced that two monoclonal antibody (mAb) treatments for COVID-19 are currently not authorized for use due to their limited effectiveness against the Omicron variant. Omicron is still circulating widely in the U.S., including Georgia.
Monoclonal antibodies are synthetic, laboratory-created proteins that mimic the immune system’s ability to fight off the virus that causes COVID-19. The virus that causes COVID-19 can mutate over time, resulting in certain treatments not working as effectively against all variants such as Omicron. Data shows that Lilly’s bamlanivimab plus etesevimab and Regeneron’s casirivimab plus imdevimab are not effective against the Omicron variant which, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is still responsible for about 99% of new COVID cases in Georgia.
There are several other therapies such as oral antivirals from Pfizer and Merck, remdesivir (intravenous antiviral), and sotrovimab (mAb) that have been shown to be effective against the Omicron variant. These treatments are for non-hospitalized patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19, who are at high risk for severe illness, hospitalization, or death. Depending on your age, health history, and how long you have had symptoms, you may qualify for treatment if infected. You will need to discuss your eligibility with your healthcare provider.
While it’s critical that we have ways to treat individuals who contract COVID-19, the authorized treatments are not a substitute for vaccination and recommended booster dose. Data have clearly demonstrated that the COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective and can lower your risk of developing COVID-19, or serious illness, hospitalization, or death if you do get sick.
Basic prevention measures should also be followed to help prevent further spread of COVID and mitigate outbreaks of infection, especially in public settings: wear a mask, physically distance, and wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
For updates on COVID-19, follow @GaDPH and @GovKemp on Twitter and @GaDPH and @GovKemp on Facebook.
Vaccine Information:
Check out immunize.org for more information
Do you have questions about the COVID Vaccine?Check out the Dade County Department of Public Health’s FB page or contact them directly at 706-657-4213.
Our local DPH follows vaccination recommendations from the ACIP. Please use this link to learn more.
https://www.immunize.org/acip/Who's eligible for the vaccine? People ages 12 and older
Where can you get the vaccine?
- Georgia Department of Public Health (Dade County Office)
to make an appointment please call 706-657-4213
NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 3, 2021
CONTACT: nancy.nydam@dph.ga.gov
COVID Vaccine Recommended for Children 5-11 Years Old
Vaccination, with other preventive measures, can protect children from COVID-19
Atlanta – Following the recommendation of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) and health districts throughout Georgia will offer Pfizer pediatric COVID vaccine to children 5-11 years old. Vaccination will begin once DPH receives clinical guidance from the CDC; that guidance is expected in the coming days.
There are approximately 987,000 children 5-11 years old in Georgia now eligible for COVID vaccine. Vaccine providers include medical practices, pediatric practices, family medicine practices and public health clinics statewide. Pediatric COVID vaccine will also be available at pharmacies, community health centers, and schools.
The pediatric Pfizer COVID vaccine is authorized for children as a 2-dose series taken 3 weeks apart. The dose for children ages 5-11 is one-third of the dosage of the vaccine for adolescents and adults. In clinical trials, vaccination was nearly 91 percent effective in preventing COVID-19 among younger children. Vaccine side effects were mild and temporary. The most common side effect was a sore arm.
To find a COVID vaccination location, log on to https://dph.georgia.gov/covid-vaccine.
For updates on COVID-19, follow @GaDPH and @GovKemp on Twitter and @GaDPH and @GovKemp on Facebook.
BOOSTERS
NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct 22, 2021
CONTACT: nancy.nydam@dph.ga.gov
Booster Doses Authorized for Moderna and J&J COVID Vaccines Atlanta – The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) and health districts throughout Georgia will begin offering booster doses of Moderna and Johnson & Johnson (J&J) COVID vaccine Tuesday, Oct. 26, 2021, pending guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These boosters are in addition to previously approved booster doses of Pfizer vaccine. For individuals who received a Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID vaccine, the following groups are eligible for a booster shot at 6 months or more after their initial 2-dose series:
• 65 years and older
• Age 18+ who live in long-term care settings
• Age 18+ who have underlying medical conditions
• Age 18+ who work or live in high-risk settings
For people who received the J&J COVID vaccine, booster shots are also recommended for those who are 18 and older and who were vaccinated two or more months ago. Eligible individuals may choose which vaccine they receive as a booster dose. Some people may have a preference for the vaccine type that they originally received and others, may prefer to get a different booster. CDC’s recommendations now allow for this type of mix and match dosing for booster shots. Not all types of vaccine will be available at all sites. For information about COVID vaccines or to schedule a vaccination appointment visit dph.ga.gov/covid-vaccine or vaccinefinder.org. More than 50% of Georgians remain unvaccinated for COVID-19, leaving themselves – and their children, families, loved ones, and communities– vulnerable to infection. DPH urges all eligible Georgians to get vaccinated to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Georgia and to save lives.
For updates on COVID-19, follow @GaDPH and @GovKemp on Twitter and @GaDPH and @GovKemp on Facebook.
To make an appointment for your booster please call 706-657-4213
TESTING INFORMATION
FREE TESTING KITS AVAILABLE
Free at home COVID-19 testing kits are now available to order online. The federal website that was scheduled to launch tomorrow is now online.
Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order 4 free tests at https://www.covidtests.gov/.
FREE TESTING
At The Colonnade every Monday and Wednesday from 9-6
- Lawson Medical - Trenton GA 706-657-3200
- Hours of Operation: Monday & Thursday 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm / Saturday & Sunday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
- Price Pharmacy – 706-657-4061 – Walk in RAPID test $90 straight pay.
- Primary Healthcare – 13570 N. Main Street, Trenton 706-956-2665
- Rapid & Standard Testing but you must see a provider first. The provider will determine if you need a COVID test.
- Call 706-657-7575 to make an appointment
- Do take Insurance
- AFC in Lookout Valley – 3520 Cummings Hwy, Chattanooga, TN 423-822-5942
- AFC Fort Oglethorpe – 26 Parkway Dr, Ft. Oglethorpe, GA 30742 – 706-214-2930
- Standard & RAPID Test
- walk-in only 8am – 5pm
- Cost is $275 (Insurance has generally been covering @100%)
- Marion County Health Department - 24 7thStreet East, Jasper, TN 423-942-2238
- Self Testing M,W,F 8:30am – 9:30am (Central Time) – Must be 18 or older and have a smart phone
- Nurse Testing Tuesdays 8:30 am – 9:30 am (Central Time) – Please call 423-942-2238 the day before to fill out paperwork over the phone.
- Fast Pace Health Urgent Care Jasper – 4300 Main St., Jasper, TN 423-651-1696
- Standard (48-72 hours) & RAPID Test (15 minutes)
- walk-in only
- All Hours are CENTRAL TIME
- Monday – Friday 8am – 7pm
- Saturday 8 am – 5 pm
- Sunday 1 pm – 5pmCost without Insurance $190 Standard / $200 Rapid
- Cost with Insurance $75
- They do NOT take Cash (pay by debit, credit card, or money order)
- LaFayette Ready Clinic 1-706-620-0200
COVID-19 RESOURCE PAGES
FEMA Rumor Control Website
Center for Disease Control Website
Georgia Department of Health Website
Dade County Georgia Facebook Page
Georgia Department of Public Health COVID-19 Daily Status Report - This updates daily at noon and 7:00 p.m.
COVID-19 Basics (use this link to Johns Hopkins Website to see their FAQ’s and COVID-19 Basics)
DPH Return to Work Guidelines
DPH Administrative Order
DPH Quarantine Protocol
DPH News Release 9-9-2020
Use this link to find out how to make your own cloth face mask
CDC - How to Make Cloth Mask
Renewal of Public Health State of Emergency 9.1.2020
Empowering a Healthy Georgia 9.1.2020
Renewal of Public Health State of Emergency 6.29.2020
Governor Kemp Executive Order 6.29.2020
Governor Kemp Executive Order 6.11.2020
Governor Kemp Executive Order: Shelter in Place 4.2.2020
Governor Kemp Executive Order - Opening Georgia 4.20.2020
Shelter in Place Handout
GEMA Shelter in Place Handout
Executive Order - Suspension of Short Term Rentals 4/9/2020
Executive Order - Nursing Homes 4/9/2020
Executive Order - National Guard 4/9/2020
Guide to Essential Businesses Webpage
Guide to Essential Businesses Printable
Do you have questions about what is considered an essential business? Use this link to send a request for information directly to the Governor’s office:
Essential Business Guide REQUEST FORM
Executive Order - Deputizing Sheriffs
Governor Kemp Declaration of State of Emergency 3.15.2020
Executive Order - Shelter in Place 3.23.2020
Financial Assistance Information & Links
Dislocated Worker Grant - Those who lost their jobs as a result of COVID-19 may be eligible for a job at the county. Please contact Paula Stallings at 706-657-4625 for additional information. Paul will be available in our office each Monday from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.
To file unemployment claims due to COVID-19 use these links:
https://dol.georgia.gov/blog/new-information-filing-unemployment-partial-claims-and-reemployment-services
Unemployment Benefits in Georgia
For Small Business Loans use this link:
https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/
Small Business Loan Information Packet
USDA is providing critical support to our nation’s farmers and ranchers through the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP). CFAP provides vital financial assistance to producers of agricultural commodities with financial assistance that gives them the ability to absorb sales losses and increased marketing costs associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information please use these links:
CFAP General Fact Sheet
USDA May 2020 Newsletter
Q.) Can I go to the Grocery Store? A.) Yes, food is considered essential
Q.) Can I go the Doctor’s Office? A.) Yes, this is considered essential
Q.) Can I go the the Pharmacy? A.) Yes, this is considered essential
Q.) Can I drop my kids off at their other parents home? A.) Yes, this is considered essential
For more questions about what is considered legally acceptable please contact the Governor’s Office at 404-656-1776
COVID - 19 BEST PRACTICES
KEEP HANDS CLEAN by washing with soap and water or using hand sanitizer
COVER YOUR MOUTH AND NOSE with a tissue when you cough and sneeze
DON’T TOUCH YOUR FACE with unwashed hands; its the easiest way for germs to enter your body
EAT HEALTHY and balanced meals to strengthen your immune system
EXERCISE boosts your immune system and speeds recovery from illness
Ready.gov website - Click on this link to see emergency preparedness checklists
Click this link to read about the Formation of The Northwest Georgia COVID-19 Task Force