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:

NEWS RELEASE - February 1, 2021 from the Georgia Department of Health

COVID-19 Variant Cases Increase in Georgia 

Atlanta – The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) is confirming there are now 19 cases of COVID-19 variant B.1.1.7 identified in Georgia. This is the same variant discovered in the U.K. and in several other countries and U.S. states. So far, no other COVID-19 variants have been identified in Georgia. 

 The B.1.1.7 cases in Georgia are in individuals ages 15 to 61, eight males and 11 females. The cases live in metro Atlanta – Carroll, Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Douglas, Fulton, Gwinnett, and Paulding counties. DPH is working to identify close contacts of the individuals, and will monitor them closely.

 The Georgia Public Health Laboratory and several commercial labs are working to identify the presence of this variant in hundreds of specimens collected at Georgia testing locations statewide, but that is only a small percentage of the overall number of COVID-19 tests performed. Knowing the location of a few individual cases does not provide a clear picture of where this variant is in the state. Just because it has not been identified in a particular city or county does not mean it is not there - individuals could be infected anywhere in the state, or in some cases out of state. At least 30 states are reporting cases of the B.1.1.7 variant.

 “The CDC has said this U.K. variant is likely to be the dominant strain in the U.S. by sometime in March,” said Kathleen E. Toomey, M.D., M.P.H., commissioner, Georgia Department of Public Health. “We must ensure we are taking every precaution right now to prevent transmission of COVID and to avoid a surge in hospitalizations and loss of life.” 

 The same measures used to prevent spread of COVID-19 in Georgia are no different for this variant, and are even more critical due to the U.K. variant being more contagious. Wear a mask. Maintain social distance. Wash your hands frequently. Avoid large gatherings. Get a COVID vaccination when you are eligible. Follow the guidance of Public Health and the guidelines in the Governor’s executive order. 

 Information about this variant is evolving quickly. Preliminary epidemiologic information suggests that this variant is significantly more contagious than the SARS-CoV-2 virus and may increase the risk of death in those who become infected. Both Pfizer and Moderna say their current vaccines appear to work against this variant. 

 DPH, in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), will continue to watch for emerging COVID-19 variants and will provide more information as it becomes available. 

 For more information about COVID-19 https://dph.georgia.gov/novelcoronavirus or https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.

 For updates on COVID-19, follow @GaDPH and @GovKemp on Twitter and @GaDPH and @GovKemp on Facebook. 

Dade County Weekly Update on YouTube

A Press Release from the Georgia Department of Public Health, issued Tuesday, January 5, 202, states the first case of new COVID variant, B.1.1.7)  has been identified in the state of Georgia. To read that press release use this link COVID Variant B.1.1.7 found in Georgia

Vaccine 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. 

VACCINE ELIGIBILITY AS OF 3/25/2021

Georgians 16+ Eligible for COVID Vaccine 

Beginning Thursday, March 25, 2021

Atlanta – The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) and Governor Brian Kemp today announced the state will expand its COVID vaccine eligibility beginning March 25, 2021, to include all Georgians aged 16 and older. Increased COVID vaccine supply and significant progress in vaccinating Georgia seniors, our most vulnerable population, allows the state to move forward and to ensure all vaccine doses are being put into arms. 

To find a vaccination location or to schedule an appointment, log on to dph.ga.gov/covid-vaccine or visit myvaccinegeorgia.com to schedule an appointment at a GEMA mass vaccination site. 

Important note: Pfizer is the only COVID vaccine approved for teens 16 and 17 years old. Please schedule an appointment at CVS or Walgreens or at one of the GEMA mass vaccination sites to ensure Pfizer vaccine is available.

For updates on COVID-19, follow @GaDPH and @GovKemp on Twitter and @GaDPH and @GovKemp on Facebook. 

VACCINE ELIGIBILITY AS OF 3/15/2021

The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) and Governor Brian Kemp today announced the state will expand its vaccine eligibility March 15, 2021, to include adults aged 55 and older, individuals with disabilities and certain medical conditions.

Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities are already eligible for vaccination. This expansion now includes disabilities caused by an injury (e.g., traumatic brain injury or spinal cord injury), a disability due to a longstanding condition that could cause vision loss, nerve damage or loss of a limb, or a disability due to illness such as ALS or multiple sclerosis.

 The medical conditions referenced are:

Asthma (moderate to severe)                         Immunocompromised

Cancer                                                            Liver disease

Cerebrovascular disease                               Neurologic conditions

Chronic kidney disease                                  Overweight and obesity

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease       Pregnancy

Cystic Fibrosis                                                Pulmonary fibrosis

Diabetes                                                          Sickle Cell Disease

Hypertension or high blood pressure             Thalassemia (blood disorder)

Heart conditions          

 

To find a vaccine location near you or to schedule an appointment, log on to https://dph.georgia.gov/covid-vaccine. For individuals aged 16 and 17 who are in an eligible population for vaccination, Pfizer is the only vaccine currently approved for these ages. Please schedule an appointment at CVS or Walgreens or at one of the GEMA mass vaccination sites to ensure Pfizer vaccine is available to you.

For updates on COVID-19, follow @GaDPH and @GovKemp on Twitter and @GaDPH and @GovKemp on Facebook

VACCINE ELIGIBILITY AS OF 3/8/2021

State has developed guidelines/explanations for the new groups eligible as of Monday.  (See below).  In addition to those currently eligible, beginning March 8, 2021, the following groups will also be eligible for COVID vaccine:

• Educators and staff (Pre-K, K-12, DECAL licensed or exempt childcare programs)
• Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their caregivers
  • Intellectual Disability is a disability characterized by significant limitations in both intellectual functioning and in adaptive behavior, which covers many everyday social and practical skills. This disability originates before the age of 22.
  • A developmental disability is a physical or mental impairment that happens before the age of 22, is expected to last a lifetime, and impacts at least three activities of daily living. Activities of daily living include self-care; receptive and expressive language; learning; mobility; self-direction; capacity for independent living; and economic self-sufficiency.
• Parents of children with complex medical conditions who are at high risk for COVID complications
  • Malignancies requiring active treatment
  • Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system) including organ transplant (bone marrow or solid organ) within 2 years
  • Critical congenital heart disease
  • Asthma (moderate to severe)
  • Sickle cell disease
  • Diabetes
  • Obesity (BMI >95%)
  • Cystic fibrosis
  • Significant neurologic injury or condition (e.g. hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, traumatic brain injury, congenital anomaly, acute flaccid myelitis) with functional/developmental impairment (e.g. cerebral palsy, developmental disability, prematurity, mitochondrial disease)
  • Technology dependence (e.g. BiPAP, trach)

VACCINE ELIGIBILITY AS OF 1/1/2021 -

Georgia Residents ages 65+

Nurse Manager Tammy Franklin with Dade Public Health says they will be able to give vaccines to anyone 65 and older that is a Dade County resident.  You MUST CALL FIRST for an appointment because the vaccine is limited. To make an appointment to receive your vaccine please call 706-657-4213.

PRESS RELEASE from DPH 

For release:      12/31/2020                                                                                            
For more information:
Logan Boss

706-295-6649

logan.boss@dph.ga.gov

COVID-19 immunizations begin in Northwest Georgia, but vaccine supply remains very limited

ROME, GA: COVID-19 immunizations have begun in Northwest Georgia, but public health’s vaccine supply remains very limited.  The Georgia Department of Public Health Northwest Health District will begin updating the public on vaccine availability on a weekly basis.

Phase 1a of Georgia’s COVID-19 vaccination plan initially included only healthcare workers and residents of Long-Term Care Facilities (LTCFs). The Northwest Health District and local county health department staff have already begun immunizing area healthcare workers. Retail pharmacies are immunizing LTCF residents.

Governor Kemp has now expanded Phase 1a to include adults aged 65 and older, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and first responders. “Our ability to begin immunizing individuals in these groups will depend on vaccine availability,” says Dr. Gary Voccio, health director for the Northwest Health District.  

“Vaccine supply at the moment in Northwest Georgia remains very limited, and we are uncertain about how long it might be before it increases enough to allow us to begin immunizing individuals in the expanded Phase 1a groups. We will begin when there is adequate vaccine supply available.”

The ten-county health district will begin making weekly, public updates through news media, social media, and the district’s website (nwgapublichealth.org) with details on vaccine-and-immunization availability.

TESTING INFORMATION

• 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 706-657-7575
  • 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 423-799-2823
• 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 7^thStreet 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 
    1. 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

Are you curious to know the Phases the White House will be use to Open Up America Again? Here’s a link to tell you more: White House Guidelines

For help and guidance on preparing workplaces for COVID-19 use this link: OSHA Guidelines for the Workplace

Here’s a Q&A link from Governor Kemp’s office regarding re-opening Georgia: Q&A Handout

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

Local Places to purchase masks
J.B.’s Variety Store - 706-657-2874
The Little Rag Quilt - 256-601-4421

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