Mother Lode Events And Guidelines On Gathering

Washing hands to prevent the spread of viruses

View Photo

Update 6:00PM The Westside Fitness Leprechaun Fun Run has been canceled due to it being on property maintained by the Casino which is closed.

Published 5:32 PM: Small events that involve people who can be physically be separated by six feet may still be held. The 2020 Westside Fitness Leprechaun Fun Run is one of those type of events. The movie theaters and casinos are closed and the Groveland and Twain Harte Branch Libraries are closed, but the Tuolumne and Sonora library remain open. All library programs (e.g., book clubs, storytimes, etc.) have been canceled. The Senior Center has been closed but pickups of meals continue, or more information, visit: http://www.sierraseniorproviders.org

The Habitat ReStore: will only be open on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays and they are pausing all donation pickups. If you have items you wish to have picked up, please call the ReStore (209) 533-9080 and they will take your information and contact you when pickups have resumed.

All California Department of Tax and Fee Administration’s (CDTFA) in-person classes across the state have been postponed and will be rescheduled at a later date to ensure the health and safety of CDTFA’s customers and team members and to support social distancing safety measures as a result of COVID-19.

Our page listing our current Coronavirus news and information is here. Tuolumne and Calaveras County have been directing people to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) guidance documents available here.

As a general reference; bars, wineries, breweries, and pubs should be closed, stores that are currently authorized to sell beer and wine to be consumed off-premises can still sell alcohol to be consumed at home. Schools are also open to provide lunches to students. Calaveras information is here, Tuolumne County School meal information is on their website here.

The state of California’s guidelines currently say “Restaurants should be closed for in-restaurant seated dining, and should be open only to drive-through or other pick-up/delivery options.” There are also new rules for restaurants and cafeterias employees preparing to-go food; they are to be reminded to practice the best hygiene practices including washing their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. They are also instructed to increase the frequency of cleaning and sanitizing of all hard surfaces, including tables and countertops that are being utilized by employees and patrons during pickup/delivery options.

Specifically, food trucks, are instructed to increase the frequency of cleaning of menus, cash registers, receipt trays, condiment holders, writing instruments and other non-food contact surfaces frequently touched by patrons and employees as well as the increased sanitizing and employee handwashing like restaurants do. They should ensure that social distancing of six feet per person for non-family members is maintained and make clear that family members can participate together, and stand in line together, etc. Food trucks should also limit the number of people waiting in lines.

Grocery Stores and Charitable Food Distribution Sites

• Should remain fully open and operational with the above employee best hygiene practices and increased cleaning of high contact areas and limit the number of people in lines as above.
• Ensure that social distancing of six feet per person for nonfamily members is maintained and make clear that family members can participate in activities together, stand in line together, etc.
• Social distancing of six feet per person, particularly between individuals who have come together on a one-time or rare basis.
• Provide additional hand washing or sanitizing stations and cancel events
• Stores that have online ordering with outside pick-up or delivery options should encourage use of these when possible in lieu of indoor shopping.

For the full guidance, click here. California has put forth other guidelines as well:

Self-Isolation for Older Adults (age 65 and older) and Adults Under 65 Who Have Elevated Risk

• Remain at home until further guidance is issued
• Continue with outdoor activities
• Practice social distancing, both in and outside the home
• Stay in touch with others by phone, email, or other online tools
• Identify family, friends, neighbors, and caregivers who can provide support
• Have supplies on hand
• Have a plan for if you get sick
• Practice hand washing
• Use “respiratory etiquette”
• Clean and disinfect your home to remove germs
• For the full guidance, click here.

Measures for Older Adults and Those Who Have Elevated Risk
Individuals at elevated risk can take steps now to slow reduce the risk from infectious diseases, including
COVID-19. CDPH recommends implementing the following steps:

• Remain at home until further guidance is issued.
• Cancel any non-essential travel, appointments, etc.
• For routine medical care, contact your health care provider to discuss rescheduling, if
  not urgent. Otherwise, discuss alternative provision of services, such as telehealth or in-home care.
• If you are in need of medical care, and in consultation with your health care provider,
  make an appointment and visit your provider to get the necessary care. If you have an
  emergency and need immediate medical care, call 9-1-1.
• Continue with outdoor activities.
• As long as you practice social distancing, we encourage you to continue your outdoor
  activities such as walks, runs, and yard work, to the extent your health allows it.
• Practice social distancing, both in and outside the home.
• Maintain distance, at least six feet, between yourself and anyone who is coughing or
  sneezing.
• Avoid handshaking, hugging or other intimate types of greetings—greet others with a
  wave, nod or bow instead.
• Stay in touch with others by phone, email, or other on-line tools (like Skype and Facebook).
• Ask friends, family, neighbors, and other networks to do any essential grocery shopping,
  picking up medications, etc. Consider on-line ordering for food and other supplies.
• Ask for help from friends, family, neighbors, community health workers, etc. if you
  become sick.
• Identify friends, family, neighbors, and other networks who can provide you with care if
  your caregiver gets sick or otherwise adjusts their scheduled services.
• Identify Family, Friends, Neighbors, and Caregivers who can provide Support
• Family, friends, neighbors, and caregivers who come to homes to provide support
  should be asymptomatic, meaning having no fever, cough, or other respiratory
  symptoms.
• Family, friends, neighbors, and caregivers can support by knowing what medications
  your loved one or client is taking and seeing if you can help them have extra on hand;
  monitoring food and medical supplies (oxygen, incontinence, dialysis, and wound care)
  needed and creating a back-up plan; and stocking up on non-perishable food items to
  have on hand in your home.
• Have supplies on hand
• Contact your healthcare provider to ask about obtaining extra necessary medications to
  have on hand.
• If you cannot get extra medications, consider using mail-order for medications.
• Be sure you have over-the-counter medicines and medical supplies (tissues, etc.) to
  treat fever and other symptoms.
• Have a plan for if you get sick
• Consult with your health care provider for more information about monitoring your
  health for symptoms suggestive of COVID-19.
• Stay in touch with others by phone or email. You may need to ask for help from friends,
  family, neighbors, community health workers, etc. if you become sick.
• Watch for symptoms and emergency warning signs
  • Pay attention to potential COVID-19 symptoms including fever, cough and
    shortness of breath. If you develop symptoms, call your doctor or local public
    health department.
  • If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19, get medical attention
    immediately. In adults, emergency warning signs* include:
    • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
    • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
    • New confusion or inability to arouse
    • Bluish lips or face
    • *This list is not all-inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptom that is severe or concerning.
• Practice Handwashing
  • Wash hands frequently for at least 20 seconds.
  • Encourage hand washing by family and friends, particularly children.
  • Provide alcohol-based hand sanitizers to supplement hand washing.
  • Avoid touching eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Clean frequently used devices, such as mobile phones.
• Use “respiratory etiquette”
  • Cover cough with a tissue or sleeve.
  • Provide adequate supplies within easy reach, including tissues and no-touch trash cans.
  • Clean and disinfect your home to remove germs: practice routine cleaning of frequently touched
    surfaces (for example: tables, doorknobs, light switches, handles, desks, toilets, faucets, sinks &
    cell phones) with common cleaning supplies.