Tuolumne County Coronavirus Saturday Update

Tuolumne County Public Health

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Sonora, CA — Tuolumne County Health officials released the Saturday Coronavirus testing update.

Tuolumne County Testing Case Information (as of 4/25/20 @10:30AM)
Total Tested 490, Total Pending 0, Total Negative 487

Total Tuolumne residents positive 3, hospitalized 1, details on the new COVID-19 Case assigned to Tuolumne County are here. There are 0 reported on home isolation and 2 recovered.

Current non-resident positive cases tested in Tuolumne County updated to 0 as detailed here.

Above numbers do not necessarily include those routed through a commercial laboratory, only those routed through Public Health to a Public Health Laboratory and those reported through the State infectious disease reporting system. All positive cases must be reported to Public Health.

Amador added one new positive as detailed here, Calaveras also had one new case as reported here.

* All positive cases must be reported to Public Health. State data is here, National data is here.

An updated overview of myMotherLode Coronavirus news stories is here. For previous public health updates go here.

LATEST UPDATES

Tuolumne County Public Health says “While Public Health continues to collaborate with our governmental and community partners on local planning efforts that align with the Governor’s roadmap to modifying the statewide stay-at-home order, the State and local Health Officer orders are still in effect at this time. We want to thank you all for your continued cooperation. Your efforts are helping us to stay in containment, and we understand the huge sacrifice that everyone is making during these trying times. In addition to essential services that continue to be offered by governmental and community agencies, we have seen and heard of many residents and organizations coming together to assist their fellow citizens who may be in extraordinarily difficult circumstances. Your kindness and contributions are recognized and greatly appreciated.”

Quest Diagnostics may be able to provide COVID-19 antibody testing with a doctor’s order, details were in yesterday’s news story here. Tuolumne County Public Health notes they would like to “reiterate that Public Health cannot speak to the accuracy of the tests being offered by commercial laboratories and we are not currently making a recommendation for the testing.” They further say, “According to a press release issued by Quest Diagnostics, the tests they are using are being submitted for Emergency Use Authorization from the FDA, but they have not yet been issued such. It is our understanding that Quest labs may be experiencing a high volume of test requests and reduced availability for processing those requests. Individuals should contact their healthcare provider to determine if testing is recommended.”

GENERAL INFORMATION & PREVIOUS UPDATES

Tuolumne County Public Health shared a video interview Friday with Dr. Liza Ortiz, Interim County Health Officer on current questions and concerns. View it on our YouTube Channel Here.

Case Identification

• A 90 year-old female Tuolumne County resident is receiving care in a congregate living facility outside of the county, details here.
• The California Department of Public Health has now assigned cruise ship passengers who had tested positive for COVID-19 to their counties of residence. These cases were previously assigned by the State separately to the cruise lines. We have received one such case of a 72-year-old male who completed their isolation on the cruise ship in March. Therefore, our data now indicates 2 total positive cases in Tuolumne County residents. There is no known risk to the public from this latest assigned case.
• Follow-Up on the Positive Case in a 34-year-old male non-resident Shared on 3/10: The individual was in the area performing essential work in accordance with the Governor’s order. The individual sought medical care in Tuolumne County and has been in isolation outside of Tuolumne County since that time. Contact tracing was conducted and it is evident that transmission occurred outside of our county, and no close contacts were identified in Tuolumne County. At this time, there is no known additional risk to Tuolumne County residents. This case will be assigned to the individual’s county of residence.
• On 3/30 a second positive case identified in a Tuolumne County resident. The individual traveled while she was not symptomatic to areas with known community transmission before the stay-at-home order was issued. It is important to remember that the individual isolated herself while symptomatic and she has been cleared from her isolation period.
• A on 3/26 the notification of a positive case of COVID-19 in a non-Tuolumne County resident being treated at Adventist Health Sonora. The individual has now recovered and their travel companion has cleared the quarantine period and did not develop symptoms during the quarantine. Public Health maintained daily contact with them during the isolation & quarantine periods to ensure they had supplies that allowed them to remain in their home and out of contact with people during that time period.

Local Activations & Declarations

• Tuolumne County Public Health is coordinating closely with State and Regional partners, as well as other County agencies, including the Innovation and Business Assistance department on planning for implementing phases of the Governor’s roadmap to modifying the stay-at-home order. As part of this planning, Innovation & Business Assistance hosted a webinar as detailed here on April 22nd. Many other facets of planning for the modification of the stay-at-home order are also ongoing and we look forward to sharing more information as plans progress.
• Tuolumne County Public Health notes they are is continuing ongoing coordination with local, regional, and state partners for the COVID-19 response. This includes planning for coordinated efforts related to the 6 indicators in Governor Newsom’s roadmap to modifying the stay-at-home order here. More details are on myMotherLode here. Pubic Health shared “The stay-at-home order is working, and it is saving lives. We understand the sacrifice that everyone is making during this pandemic and the public’s cooperation is greatly appreciated as we strive to remain in containment and keep our community healthy.”
• An update to the Febrile Respiratory Illness (FRI) Employee Screening form is here. This update incorporates the latest CDC guidance on allowing critical employees to continue working if they have been exposed to a COVID-19 positive patient, if specific precautions are taken. All essential businesses in Tuolumne County have been directed to screen their employees before they begin their shift according to the local Health Officer’s Order on 3/26 and retain that documentation for at least 14 days. That order was reported on here.
• On 4/6/20, Tuolumne County Interim Health Officer, Dr. Eric Sergienko issued a Health Officer Order clarifying essential vs. non-essential activities as detailed here.
• On 4/3/20, The Interim County Health Officer Dr. Eric Sergienko issued a Health Officer’s Order clarifying the Statewide ‘Stay-at-Home’ order as related to short term lodging facilities as detailed here.
• Acting Tuolumne County Health Officer Dr. Eric Sergienko issued a Health Officer order effective today, 3/26/20 to screen for febrile (related to fever) respiratory illness and for ill residents to isolate. The order includes direction for healthcare provider reporting of febrile respiratory illness (FRI), monitoring and isolation instructions, and for all employers to screen employees at the start of work. The most recent version of the order is here.
• PUBLIC HEALTH COVID-19 CALL CENTER: Public Health has activated a call center that will go live on 3/18/20 at 9 a.m. The call center will be open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The call center phone number is 209-533-7440. The Adventist Health Sonora COVID-19 triage line for local patients concerned they may be experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 has knowledgeable registered nurses are available to provide advice and refer patients to appropriate care when needed from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday and may be reached by calling 209-536-5166. Patients who are experiencing an emergency should call 911.
• The Public Health Department has activated its Department Operations Center (DOC) to most effectively respond to the COVID-19 incident, including communication and coordination with our federal, state, and local partners. This includes ongoing receipt and processing of resource requests from our partners through the Medical Health Operational Area Coordinator (MHOAC) program.
• Dr. Eric Sergienko, acting Tuolumne County Health Officer, has declared a local health emergency in order to enhance the effectiveness of the response to COVID-19, to seek and utilize mutual aid, potentially obtain reimbursement, and ensure that the County’s public health professionals and providers have all necessary resources to provide quality care and keep our community safe.
• Dr. Sergienko issued a revised Health Officer Order on 3/17/20
• The Tuolumne Band of Me-Wuk Indians declared a State of Emergency on March 19, 2020 due to COVID-19.
• The Tuolumne County Office of Emergency Services, with the approval of the Board of Supervisors, declared a local state of emergency on 3/17/20.
• In order to better focus public health resources on the changing needs of California communities, as of March 18^th, the state is no longer collecting information about California travelers from countries that have confirmed COVID-19 outbreaks. Community transmission has been identified in California since late February, and since early March, most of the confirmed cases in the state were not related to travel outside of the U.S.
• The Tuolumne County Environmental Health Division has developed important materials related to food safety, handling, and delivery for the foodservice industry, and those who are assisting with food distribution during this emergency. Please see attached documents. Currently, under the State Health Officer order, restaurants are only to provide to-go, drive-through, or delivery options.
• The City of Sonora declared a local emergency on March 16^th, 2020 due to COVID-19.

State Orders

• The Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Department has issued a press release regarding education and enforcement of Health Officer Orders. As detailed here.
• On March 19, 2020, the State Public Health Officer Dr. Angel issued the following, “To protect public health, I as State Public Health Officer and Director of the California Department of Public Health order all individuals living in the State of California to stay home or at their place of residence except as needed to maintain continuity of operations of the federal critical infrastructure sectors, as outlined at https://www.cisa.gov/identifying-critical-infrastructure-Workers.”
• To view the full Executive Order, visit: https://covid19.ca.gov/img/Executive-Order-N-33-20.pdf
• For more information about the Executive Order, visit: https://covid19.ca.gov/stay-home-except-for-essential-needs/?fbclid=IwAR16K1XfBpq_kuRtMJLNVZjP9VeIsoTvH5EkdOUFxLrMiIaUS7Bs54jJ4Z8
• In order to better focus public health resources on the changing needs of California communities, as of March 18^th, the state is no longer collecting information about California travelers from countries that have confirmed COVID-19 outbreaks. Community transmission has been identified in California since late February, and since early March, most of the confirmed cases in the state were not related to travel outside of the U.S.
• All California State Parks have been closed to vehicle traffic. View the news story here.

COVID-19 Testing:

• Tuolumne County Public Health has provided an update and clarification in regard to testing for COVID-19, the document is viewable here, the news story is here.
• Testing is being conducted at the discretion of health care providers in the community, based on their clinical assessment and current recommended guidance
• Tests that will be conducted through the Public Health laboratory system are coordinated with our Public Health Department
• Testing is available through Quest laboratories with a health care provider’s order. These tests are not required to be communicated through the Public Health Department, but our local providers are strongly encouraged to do so
• Any positive test result must be reported to the Public Health Department

Community Agency Updates:

• In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Gavin Newsom signed an Executive Order that allows enrollment waivers for child care subsidies to certain populations. These waivers and child care subsidies are valid through June 30, 2020. The order prioritizes eligibility in certain categories including essential workers. Please view the website for more info: https://www.icesagency.org/news_events/headlines.html/article/2020/04/14/governor-newsom-s-executive-order-for-child-care-subsidy
• We would like to include relevant updates from agencies that serve the community (e.g., the Senior Center is closed but they are offering drive-through lunch pick-up). Please submit updates to PHPIO@co.tuolumne.ca.us by noon each day for your update to be included in this daily email update.
• Twain Harte Area CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) has established a call service to provide daily phone calls with folks who would like a check-in each day. See the attached graphic.
• The Tuolumne Band of Me-Wuk Indians Social Services Department has provided information on resources available to their tribal community. As detailed here.
• Catholic Charities has updated some of their service changes.
  • Grace Fund ProgramGRACE Fund will continue to operate by appointment only and requires staff to work remotely. The program’s requirements are being modified to safeguard clients and staff to reduce face to face contact. Contact number: (209) 532-7632
  • Mother Lode Ombudsman ProgramThe Program Coordinator and Program Assistant are working remotely to respond to Ombudsman calls per State guidance. No visits to facilities are allowed at this time. Contact number: (209) 588-1597
  • SSVF/VETFAM ProgramAll staff are working remotely assisting Veterans to secure housing and provide case management via phone or email. Contact number: (209) 396-6903
  • Mother Lode Counseling ProgramCounseling service are still being provided. To safeguard clients and staff, the counselors will be providing telehealth sessions. This can be done through multiple electronic forms: facetime, zoom or Google Meet. Contact number: (209) 396-6953
• Jamestown Family Resource Center, Tuolumne County Superintendent of Schools, and Resiliency Village are partnering to help with food distribution for those in need during this emergency. Applications can be submitted at this link or by calling 536-2092.
  • Amador Tuolumne Community Action Agency (ATCAA)
  • ATCAA offices are closed until further notice. Please call 533-1397 for general information
  • Head Start has been closed until further notice
• Food Bank: Food is being distributed by highest need. Please call 984-3901 x101 for information on signing up
• Area 12 Agency on Aging
  A12AA has closed their office for in-person services but will continue to be available by phone during normal business hours. All HICAP appointments will be conducted by phone.
• Behavioral Health

• • Lambert Center – closed until further notice
  • TCBH Enrichment Center – Beginning 3/27, the Enrichment Center will be open for showers and laundry only for those not housed or those with no access to a shower or laundry facility. Please visit here for more information.
  • The 24-hour crisis phone line is: 209-533-7000 or toll free 800-630-1130
  • The ICES (Infant Child Enrichment Services) office is closed to the public until further notice, although most services are still being provided. This includes provider payments, child care referrals, and resources to providers and families. Call the main phone line at 533-0377, and messages will be returned if requested. Or write to info@icesagency.org and a response will be given shortly.
  • Foothill Pregnancy Center- Some programs and services have changed. Please call 536-9262 for information

• Libraries
  • All branches of the Tuolumne County Public Library will be closed until further notice due to the Shelter in Place order issued by the Governor. All late charges for materials due during this time will be waived. The library will appraise the public as we receive new information. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Our digital library is always open at https://ncdl.overdrive.com/ .

• Senior Center
  • The Senior Center at 540 Greenley Road will be closed until further notice
    • The Senior Center will have meals available for pick-up only at 540 Greenley Road in Sonora. Lunches will be made available to current Intake Congregate Clients and by reservation only.
    • Current lunch participants who would like to reserve a lunch should call 209-533-2622 by 9 a.m. that morning
    • For more information, visit: http://www.sierraseniorproviders.org/
    • If you would like to help with their efforts, please visit: http://www.sierraseniorproviders.org/ways-to-help/
  • The Meals on Wheels Program is continuing service as usual
  • The Sonora, Jamestown, and Groveland Congregate lunch sites have ceased on-site serving

Mass Gatherings

• The State order issued on 3/19 (see above) supersedes the County Health Officer order from 3/17/20.

Mass Gatherings:

Per the 3/17/20 Tuolumne County Health Officer Order (applicable until 4/30/20):

• All events that have more than 50 participants shall be canceled or postponed to such a time as this Health Officer’s Order has lapsed
• All events that may have fewer than 50 participants where it is not feasible to maintain social distances of six feet shall be canceled or postponed to such a time as this Health Officer’s Order has lapsed
• Gatherings for those who are at high risk of severe illness, such as those older than 65, those with existing heart or lung disease, and those with diabetes, shall not exceed more than ten participants who are at high risk
• Issuance of assemblage permits and facility use permits shall be canceled
• View the CDPH Guidance for Gatherings, here.

Schools:

• The Tuolumne County Superintendent of Schools announced on 3/18/20 that County schools will extend their closure through April 13, 2020, with the anticipated return to classrooms on April 14^th, depending on guidance from the Governor, CDE, and the State Department of Health. View the full announcement here: https://www.tcsos.us/wp-content/uploads/Extended-School-Closures-03_18_2020.pdf
• Columbia College campus is closed. All instruction and student support services continue and have been moved to online format. Check their website for more information: https://www.gocolumbia.edu/about/goals.php
• The School Districts of Tuolumne County are working with their Community Partners to help deliver meals to families of school-age students (0-18). Please visit the following page to see how each district is distributing food to families: https://www.tcsos.us/newsroom/2019-novel-coronavirus/covid-19-meal-distribution/
• Private school closure is at school administrator discretion
  • Mother Lode Adventist Junior Academy has reported that they will be closed 3/18/20 through 4/12/20
• Please view the CDPH COVID-19 Schools guidance here: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/CDPH%20Document%20Library/School%20Guidance_ADA%20Compliant_FINAL.pdf

*New* Businesses

• COVID-19 Business Resources
  • Tuolumne County: https://www.tuolumnecounty.ca.gov/1265/COVID-19
  • Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development: https://business.ca.gov/coronavirus-2019/

** Updated COVID-19 Guidance Highlights:

• New guidance on community masking was issued by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and attached is local guidance and information. It is important for everyone to understand that this is not an ‘order’ to wear a mask and it DOES NOT replace the importance of staying home, social distancing, and hand washing as the most effective means of protection against COVID-19.
• The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has their guidance documents available in one place: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Guidance.aspx
• Food, Beverage, Other Services:
• Bars, wineries, breweries, and pubs should be closed, except for venues that are currently authorized to provide off sale beer and wine to be consumed off-premises
• Restaurants should be closed for in-restaurant seated dining, and should be open only to drive-through or other pick-up/delivery options
• For the full guidance, click here.

Self-Isolation for Older Adults (age 65 and older) and Those 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.

What You Can Do:

Practice everyday preventive actions to stay healthy

• Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds, or with hand sanitizer of soap is not available
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
• If you are ill, stay home. If other family members are ill, including children, keep them home.
• Practice social distancing: put more space between yourself and others. About 6 feet is good, if you can
• Avoid contact with people who are sick
• Clean frequently touched surfaces and objects often with soap and water or household cleaners. Don’t forget your cell phone

Per the President’s Coronavirus Guidelines: If you are a person with a serious underlying health condition that can put you at increased risk (e.g., a condition that impairs your lung or heart function or weakens your immune system), stay home and away from other people

Per the President’s Coronavirus Guidelines: If you are young, or otherwise healthy, you are at risk and your activities can increase the risk for others. It is critical that you do your part to stop the spread of coronavirus:

• Work or engage in schools from home whenever possible
• If you work in a critical infrastructure industry, such as healthcare services and pharmaceutical and food supply, you have a special responsibility to maintain your normal work schedule. You and your employers should follow CDC guidance to protect your health at work.
• Avoid social gatherings in groups of more than 10 people
• Avoid eating and drinking in restaurants and food courts – use drive-thru, pickup, or delivery options
• Avoid discretionary travel, shopping trips, and social visits
• Practice good hygiene
• Those visiting Tuolumne County from counties that have Shelter-in-Place orders should, at a minimum, self-monitor with twice daily symptoms checks, including taking a temperature, if possible. These individuals should also limit their travel. For the local notice, see attached document. To learn about COVID-19 symptoms, visit: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html

If someone in your household has tested positive for COVID-19, keep the entire household at home. Do not go to work. Do not go to school. Contact your medical provider.
If you have symptoms or get sick:

• Stay home, unless you need to seek medical care
• Stay away from other people, pets, and animals. As much as possible, you should stay in a specific room and use a separate bathroom if available.
• Call ahead before visiting your doctor, clinic, or hospital
• Wear a face mask to avoid spreading germs
• Cover your cough with a tissue and immediately throw it in the trash, or cough into your bent elbow. Wash your hands after using a tissue.
• Wash your hands often and avoid sharing personal items
• Please see the CDC recommendations here.

Stay Informed:

• We intend to provide these updates each weekday until further notice, and on weekends if warranted
• Stay tuned to the Public Health website https://www.tuolumnecounty.ca.gov/250/Public-Health
• Follow Public Health on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/tuolumnecountypublichealth
• Visit the new CDPH COVID-19 website: https://www.covid19.ca.gov/
• Visit the CDC website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html