GNR Public Health offices and health centers will be closed for the holiday on Monday, December 23, Tuesday, December 24, and Wednesday, December 25, 2024.

Health department clinics and the Gwinnett and Rockdale Environmental Health offices will resume regular hours on Thursday, December 26.

Please note that the Newton Environmental Health office will remain closed for in-person services on Thursday, December 26; however, environmental health services in Newton will be available by phone that day, and inspections will still be conducted. The Newton Environmental Health office will reopen for in-person services on Friday, December 27.

All health department locations will be closed on Wednesday, January 1, 2025, and will resume regular business hours on January 2.

‘Tis the season for cool weather and fun celebrations, but did you know there is an increase in illnesses such as influenza (flu), COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and norovirus.

Remember these simple steps to help keep yourself and your loved ones healthy this season!

How To Avoid Getting Sick! 

Wash your hands often. 

Use soap and water and have hand sanitizer available, especially at gatherings. Hand sanitizer is ineffective against some germs, especially gastrointestinal illnesses like norovirus. Hand washing is preferred.

Stay up to date on recommended vaccines.

Make an appointment to get all recommended vaccines, including seasonal ones such as influenza.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

Consider wearing a mask when traveling or in crowds.

What To Do When You’re Sick!

Stay home and isolate yourself from others in your household when you’re sick.

Learn when to stay home from work or school.

Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, or use your inner elbow.

Don’t forget to wash your hands after coughing or sneezing.

Do not cook or serve others when sick, especially when experiencing nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Seek testing to determine which illness you are experiencing

• For testing, see your healthcare provider, a GNR Public Health center, your local pharmacy, or use an at-home testing option.
• For COVID, use a reliable at-home antigen test kit from the health department, your local pharmacy, or the federal government. Get free COVID tests delivered or call to find out if free COVID test kits are available at our health centers.
• For flu and COVID, you can self-test at one of three convenient health department kiosks. Testing kiosks are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week! Find a kiosk near you.
• For RSV and norovirus, contact your medical provider to get tested.

Consult your healthcare provider right away if symptoms aren’t manageable or worsen.

GNR Public Health wishes you a healthy and happy holiday!

For additional information about staying healthy this time of year, check out the CDC’s Steps to Help You Stay Healthy During the Holidays.

Keep your hands, cooking area, and dishes clean! 

Use a thermometer to check temperatures!

Remember the two-hour rule!

Keep hot foods HOT and cold foods COLD!

Store and reheat leftovers properly!

Don’t forget! Stay home if you’re feeling sick to keep your loved ones healthy!

Do you have questions about this article?

We are here to help. Call 770-339-4260. Ask for the Epi on Call.

UPDATE AS OF NOVEMBER 19, 2024.

We are now open for all health services. Call 770.904.3717 to make an appointment today!

Thanks to Gwinnett Chairwoman Nicole Hendrickson and Gwinnett County government officials, GNR Public Health is pleased to announce the addition of a fourth health center in Gwinnett.

Centerville Health Center makes access to essential health-related services, such as vaccines, WIC nutrition services, health screenings, and health education, more accessible for people living or working in the southern part of Gwinnett County. It helps further the health department’s mission to keep everyone in our community healthy, protected, and prepared.

The Centerville Health Center is located at 3025-B Bethany Church Road, Suite 2400, Snellville, 30039, inside OneStop Centerville. WIC nutrition services are available now, and clinical services will be available starting in November. Dedicated nurses, nutritionists, and support staff are excited and ready to deliver services to all who come through their doors.

People can make a WIC appointment at Centerville Health Center by calling WIC 770.513.9738. Clinical services appointments for vaccines and health screenings will be available soon. Check back for updates.

To see photos of the ribbon cutting ceremony, view this post on Facebook.

To get the most up-to-date information on BioLab, please visit the Unified Command website at www.biolabconyersresponse.com. The Unified Command includes representatives from U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Georgia Environmental Protection Division, Rockdale County, and BioLab.

The health department recommends people who experience symptoms contact their healthcare provider or call Georgia Poison Center Toll Free: 1 (800) 222-1222 Local: (404) 616-9000.

All GNR Public Health locations are closed for the state holiday on Monday, October 14, 2024. Regular hours will resume on Tuesday, October 15, 2024.

Continue to follow the advice of your local EMA’s. However, if you experience symptoms, please contact your health provider or the Georgia Poison Center at 404-856-6252.

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call a healthcare provider or 911.

For the most up-to-date information on the BioLab chemical fire, please follow your county’s website or social media:

Rockdale County
Rockdale County’s Facebook page or rockdalecounty.gov.

Gwinnett
GwinnettCounty.com

Newton
Newton County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page or www.co.newton.ga.us.

Health Department Hours or Closings

As of October 7, 2024, all health department locations are observing regular hours.

GNR Public Health follows recommendations from the agencies responding to the chemical fire to determine if a health center or an environmental health office must close or observe reduced hours. If you are visiting a health department location within an affected area, please call 770.904.3717 to confirm the health center or office is open.

GEMA/HS Coordinates Debris Removal Operations

Under the authorization of Governor Brian Kemp, the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS) will coordinate with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to enlist the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) for debris removal operations in counties declared eligible for Public Assistance following the widespread damage caused by Hurricane Helene.

Read the full press release here.

Continue to follow the advice of your local EMA’s. However, if you experience symptoms, please contact your health provider or the Georgia Poison Center at 404-856-6252.

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call a healthcare provider or 911.

For the most up-to-date information on the BioLab chemical fire, please follow your county’s website or social media:

Rockdale County
Rockdale County’s Facebook page or rockdalecounty.gov.

Gwinnett
GwinnettCounty.com

Newton
Newton County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page or www.co.newton.ga.us.

Health Department Hours or Closings

As of today, October 7, 2024, all health department locations are observing regular hours.

GNR Public Health follows recommendations from the agencies responding to the chemical fire to determine if a health center or an environmental health office must close or observe reduced hours. If you are visiting a health department location within an affected area, please call 770.904.3717 to confirm the health center or office is open.

Georgia Emergency Management Agency
The Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD), the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH), in coordination with the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provided community guidance, including symptoms of exposure, for people affected by the BioLab chemical fire in a press release on October 2, 2024.

Read the full release here.