Here are some of the top stories you may have missed this weekend.
Sensitive patients have multiple flu vaccine options to prevent a "twin-demic"
Those who want to get a flu shot this year but have reacted negatively in the past have several options to protect themselves against the virus.
District 2 Public Health Services spokesman Dave Palmer said that flu vaccines are our “first defense and best defense” against the flu virus. With the COVID-19 pandemic and the already significant strain placed on healthcare professionals, health officials say it is more important than ever to get a flu vaccine.
The standard vaccine is egg-based and approved for anyone six months or older, but some patients experience negative side effects from this vaccine including muscle aches, low-grade headache, low-grade fever, nausea and fatigue. Alternative options include cell-based and recombinant vaccines, as well as a nasal spray option for those wanting to avoid needles. READ MORE
Hall County prepared for early voting for Jan. 5 runoff
The Hall County Elections Office announced last week that registered voters in the county will have four locations available for early, in-person voting for the Jan. 5 runoff elections.
Beginning Monday, Dec. 14 voters may cast early ballots during a three-week time frame. The last day to vote early will be Thursday, Dec. 31. There will be no early voting on Dec. 24, Dec. 25 or Jan. 1, and there will be no Saturday voting days.
Early voting locations will be open on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Due to COVID-19, social distancing and sanitization procedures will be enforced. READ MORE
Lane closures expected this week on Dawsonville Highway
Hall County motorists can expect delays on Dawsonville Highway for the next several weeks as lanes in both directions are closed for reconstruction of the westbound bridge over the Chattahoochee River.
The lane closures will impact the roadway between Stephens Circle and Sports Club Road and are expected to be closed until Friday, Dec. 18. Work on the bridge will occur between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. Monday through Thursday and 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Friday through Sunday. READ MORE
North Georgia's small retailers have faith in local shoppers
AccessWDUN visited three small local retailers to see how they’ve weathered the storm of COVID-19 and to see their projections for the 2020 holiday shopping season.
Image Boutique, which has locations in Athens, Gainesville and Flowery Branch, and Upsy-Daisy Boutique on the Downtown Gainesville Square were each hit hard by the pandemic. However, both businesses have adapted to the circumstances and are looking ahead to the holiday shopping season with special sales events and Christmas merchandise orders.
Likewise, The Fudge Factory on the Historic Dahlonega Square suffered a blow from the absence of Dahlonega’s annual Gold Rush Days, one of the biggest fall festivals in the Southeastern U.S. The shop was closed for most of the spring but is now back to a regular schedule, and extended hours will be offered in anticipation of more customers. READ MORE
Alpine Helen sets Lighting of the Village in new location
Alpine Helen kicked off the holiday season with its annual Lighting of the Village Celebration on Friday, Nov. 27. The event was held at Helen Riverside Park along the Chattahoochee River to allow attendees plenty of room to spread out safely.
Continuing the festivities, Helen’s annual Christmas parade is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 12 in the downtown area. The parade will line up off Edelweiss Strasse and proceed to Chattahoochee Street, then onto Main Street to Betty’s Country Store on the north end of town. READ MORE
