* Reported 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. State data is here, National data is here.
Public Health COVID-19 Call Center: (209) 533-7440
Case Identification
As part of an ongoing COVID-19 outbreak investigation at a congregate living facility outside of Tuolumne County, the two cases that were previously assigned to our county have now been reassigned to the county where that facility is located. As a result, our case count is now a total of two, both of which have recovered.
Tuolumne County Public Health was notified on 4/27 of a new confirmed positive COVID-19 test result in an 72-year-old male from Tuolumne County, who has recently been receiving care in a congregate living facility outside of the county. It appears that this is where he acquired the virus. The individual has not been in Tuolumne County since January and he will continue to isolate outside of the county. There is no known risk to Tuolumne County residents. (case transferred back to the county where he acquired the virus)
A 90-year-old female Tuolumne County resident is receiving care in a congregate living facility outside of the county, details here. (case transferred back to the county where he acquired the virus)
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
As businesses and activities begin to reopen or expand as part of the staged modification of the statewide stay-at-home order, we want to remind the public that the statewide order is being modified in a measured way. The order has not been lifted and folks should continue to take precautions to keep themselves and their loved ones safe and healthy. To prevent further spread of COVID-19, Californians should not travel significant distances and should stay close to home. Our ability to continue to contain the spread of the virus in Stage 2 will allow us to continue planning for and advocating with the state for Tuolumne County to allow some Stage 3 activities to resume. Thank you all for your cooperation and continuation of preventive activities such as physical distancing, washing your hands, staying home if sick, and reducing non-essential travel.
Interim Health Officer Dr. Liza Ortiz submitted an attestation to the state to allow a variation for Tuolumne County to proceed into Late Stage 2 of the Governor’s roadmap to modifying the stay-at-home order. This will include in-store shopping, pet grooming, offices, dine-in restaurants, and outdoor museums (all following posted safety protocols). The state will review the documentation and if approved, post to the California Department of Public Health website. Once the public posting of our attestation is complete, we will be allowed to further open business sectors as the industry guidance and checklists for reopening are made available on the state roadmap website. The attestation package is here for reference. The local health order restricting short-term lodging remains in effect, as does the order on Febrile Respiratory Illness (FRI) screening. Though we begin some modifications, the statewide stay-at-home order is still in place and folks should continue to practice physical distancing, minimize their time outside of the home, and wash their hands frequently. To prevent further spread of COVID-19 to, and within, other jurisdictions within the State, Californians should not travel significant distances and should stay close to home. We will continue to provide updates as we receive more information.
In alignment with the state order, the State Health Officer issued a new Order, 5/8/20 describing the gradual entrance into Stage 2 of the statewide stay-at-home order. Details are here.
Governor Newsome provided an update yesterday on movement into early stage 2 of the roadmap to modifying the statewide stay-at-home order as detailed here.
An update and clarification on State and local roadmaps to modifying the statewide stay-at-home order is in the news story posted here.
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 18th, 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 16th, 2020 due to COVID-19.
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.”
In order to better focus public health resources on the changing needs of California communities, as of March 18th, 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:
State testing sites have been activated in many areas in California, including in Mariposa County and in Lodi. Tuolumne County residents are able to access these testing sites with an appointment. Individuals will be billed through their health insurance. Tests will be paid for by the state for individuals without health insurance. Copays or deductibles will not apply to the visits. No fees will be collected at the testing site. While priority is given to those who are high risk, everyone is welcome to schedule testing by going online to https://lhi.care/covidtesting or by calling OptumServe at (888) 634-1123. To find a testing site nearest you go to https://bit.ly/2ypCrMv.
Quest Diagnostics may be able to provide COVID-19 antibody testing with a doctor’s order, details were in the 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.”
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:
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.
A new COVID-19 Community Resources Website has been developed to connect the public with resources such as local food assistance, grocery and restaurant information, community agency services, and more. The website is now live and can be found HERE: https://bit.ly/TCcovidPortal If your organization would like to have information included as a resource on the website, there is a link to a survey in the introductory section of the site. The Tuolumne County Public Health website will continue to provide daily updated COVID-19 information.
Tuolumne Me-Wuk Indian Health Centers have provided an update to their services. They are assisting tribal and non-tribal members during the COVID-19 pandemic. They offer medical, behavioral health, and emergency dental appointments. Expanded dental services will be offered as statewide guidelines are updated. They also have an active tele-medicine option available. Please see their website for more information: https://tmwihc.org/
Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) benefits will be available for eligible California families soon. Due to COVID-19, children who are eligible for free or reduced-price meals at school will get extra food benefits. These food benefits are called Pandemic EBT or P-EBT benefits. These benefits help families in California buy food when schools are closed because of the Coronavirus emergency. Families will get up to $365 per eligible child on their P-EBT card to use on food and groceries. Families with children who get CalFresh, Medi-Cal or Foster Care benefits do not need to apply. Most will get their P-EBT card in the mail during the month of May. P-EBT cards will begin arriving in May, 2020. Families with children who are eligible for free or reduced-price meals and who do not get their P-EBT card in the mail, must apply online before June 30, 2020. The online application will launch in late May. Additional information will be posted as soon as it’s available.
Community Resources Website details, note that while a neighboring county has made some revisions to the coronavirus restriction, Tuolumne County Public Health officials are still reviewing the situation, Project RoomKey update and testing report changes detail in this news story here.
Adventist Health Sonora is providing a COVID-19 online chat at www.AdventistHealthSonora.org and a triage line available Monday-Friday 10am-6pm at 536-5166 and 536-5000 at other times.
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
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
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 14th, 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
County of Tuolumne Innovation and Business Assistance is looking to determine the business impacts of COVID-19 in our county. Business owners are asked to complete a survey HERE: https://www.tcdisasterassistance.com/business-survey
New guidance on community masking was issued by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). 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.
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
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
Follow Local and State Health Officer Orders
To learn about COVID-19 symptoms, visit the CDC Symptoms website here.
If someone in your household has tested positive for COVID-19, keep the entire household at home and keep in touch with your medical provider.
If you have symptoms or get sick:
Stay home, unless you need to seek medical care and call first if at all possible
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
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
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