New Location for COVID Vaccine in Pickens
Community, Featured News, Health, News February 2, 2021
JASPER, Ga. – Beginning Monday, February 1, the North Georgia Health District (NGHD) announced that it would relocate its COVID-19 vaccine operations to the Pickens County Recreation Department.
“These changes will allow more people to be vaccinated, so that as additional vaccine becomes available, health department staff will be in position to vaccinate larger numbers of people,” says Jennifer King via press release. Interim health director Dr. Zachary Taylor says that this should be another positive step to rapidly and effectively administer the COVID-19 vaccine to even more members of our community.
This relocation does not affect the current Phase 1A that Pickens is mandated to follow. Meaning only healthcare workers (e.g., physicians, nurses, pharmacists, EMS, laboratory staff, environmental services, etc.), those working or living at a long-term care facility, or anyone 65 years and older and their caregivers are eligible for the vaccine.
Army Spc. Angel Laureano holds a vial of the COVID-19 vaccine, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Md., Dec. 14, 2020. (DoD photo by Lisa Ferdinando)
Nearly 30,000 individuals residing in the NGHD have received the vaccine since the program was initiated on December 18. This figure is in conjunction with a drop of 1,500 current hospitalizations since Georgia’s record high on January 13 according to The COVID Tracking Project. While for some the vaccine was just the answer they were looking for, high demand has people on edge as they realize that appointments to obtain a vaccine are full. NGHD urges residents to regularly check the website or its social media for updates on appointments as they become available. Previous appointments that were made will be honored.
Residence in all but Whitfield County should note that only the Moderna vaccine is available to eligible patients.
The Pickens County Recreation Department is located off 1329 Camp Road in Jasper.
Times of operation will be Monday – Thursday: 8 AM – 12 AM and 1 PM – 3 PM. Friday will only be from 8 AM – 12 AM.
Pickens Rec Department Reopening to the Public
Community June 1, 2020The Board of Commissioners working in consultation with PCRD staff and their advisory
board will reopen PCRD operations to the public in stages. These efforts serve as a balance
between ensuring safety and offering necessary services. The multiphase reopening will include
the following:
Roper Park remains open (activities must meet health guidelines).
Summer Camp beginning June 1 st (strict health guidelines in place and limited to 40
kids).
The Community Center will open to the public beginning June 3 rd . This will allow
PCRD staff two days to start Summer Camp under new health guidelines before
opening the building to the public. Once open the Community Center will operate on
modified hours (M-F 8am to 5pm). These modified hours will allow staff time to
properly clean and sanitize the facility. There will be health guidelines in place
including that participants must bring their own equipment. There will be specific
times set aside for certain activities.
– Walking 8am to 10am
– Pickleball 10am to 12pm
– Open Gym 12pm to 5pm
The pool will tentatively open on June 15 th (strict health guidelines in place including
bringing your own chair).
The Community Center will tentatively return to normal operating hours and allow
room rentals and fitness classes beginning June 15 th.
This multiphase reopening will allow our staff to best serve the community in a safe way.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation during these difficult times. We look
forward to seeing you soon at PCRD! If you have any questions call 706-253-8863.