Virus surges as local New Year’s fest canceled

Monday was a “challenging morning” for Jeremiah’s Place Executive Director Karen Shayne.
But with COVID numbers on the rise across the state and especially in North Georgia, she and the First Night Committee decided to err on the side of caution and cancel the annual First Night New Year’s Eve celebration.
“We cannot accurately predict what the virus numbers will be like on Dec. 31, but COVID-19 continues to spike in northern Georgia,” Shayne said. “Unlike the trend with the larger cities in America continuing with their New Year’s Eve celebrations, First Night Dahlonega is simply unable to manage the COVID-19 recommendations by the CDC and we do not want to put our attendees, musicians, artists and volunteers at risk for contracting this highly contagious strain of the virus. We’re devastated, but we believe we are making the right decision.”
A number of those scheduled to take part in the entertainment of First Night have had to withdraw due to the virus.
“Several of our large acts went from big to small,” she said.
It was not an easy decision. The funds raised during First Night comprises a “huge part of our budget for the year,” Shayne said.
Jeremiah’s Place receives no local, state or federal government funds. All of its operational funds come from church sponsors; private donations; in-kind materials and labor; and fundraising activities.
“First Night is a huge part of our budget,” Shayne said, “and the decision was not made lightly.  But we felt we had to protect everyone associated with the event and the community.”

SUDDEN SURGE

Locally the COVID count took a sizable leap as 103 new cases were reported over the seven day period from December 21 to December 28. That’s more than double the previous week which saw 44 new cases.
This brings the overall total to 4,761 positive cases since the onset of the pandemic, according to data provided by the Georgia Department of Health.  
On Monday, GDPH officer Natasha Young reported that the state saw a surge of cases over the weekend due to the “fast spreading Omicron variant.”
“Vaccination is the most important strategy available to us against COVID-19 variants, but we must also continue to use a layered approach of protection to keep our communities safe and healthy,” said District 2 Public Health Director, Zachary Taylor, M.D.
Thankfully Lumpkin County saw no one hospitalized over the past seven days. As of Monday, a cumulative total of 426 residents had been hospitalized with coronavirus symptoms.
No new deaths were reported during this time span either.
The local death toll now stands at 94.

‘COVID DAYS’

Meanwhile, Jeremiah’s Place is offering refunds to everyone that bought a $10 button, and apologies to the community and performers.
“I want to thank everyone for their support through the good days, the bad days and the COVID days,” Shayne said. “Since 2015, First Night has offered a wonderful opportunity for people to get together and celebrate with great music, the arts, kids’ entertainment and more. As we look ahead to this upcoming year, we fully intend to come roaring back, and we will begin our plans in early 2022 to make next year’s event spectacular.”