San Andreas, CA…On Monday, August 2, 2021, Calaveras Public Health reported a significant increase in COVID-19 cases over the last two weeks. California State officials reported a 14-day average of 73 cases compared to 46 cases from the previous 14-day average. Calaveras Public Health is working to confirm the numbers reported to the state. The surge in cases may be a result of the emerging Delta variant, communities with low vaccination rates, easing of preventive measures, and people moving indoors as warm temperatures remain.

“What we know about the Delta variant is that this new strain spreads more easily from person-to-person. The most community spread and negative impact due to COVID-19 happens in communities with low vaccination rates,” said Dr. Rene Ramirez, Calaveras County Health Officer. According to the CDC, most hospitalizations and deaths have been among the unvaccinated. “The best protection we have against COVID-19 is to get fully vaccinated. If you haven’t received your second shot of a two-dose vaccine, you aren’t getting the most protection against COVID-19. People who haven’t been vaccinated at all against COVID-19 are most at risk,” stated Dr. Ramirez.

Calaveras Public Health urges the public to take necessary prevention measures seriously to protect their family and friends from COVID-19. Everyone needs to take steps to protect themselves against COVID-19 including anyone not fully vaccinated, children under 12 who cannot be vaccinated yet, and those with weakened immune systems. The best way to avoid being exposed to the virus is to:
 Get vaccinated
 Wear a mask in public indoor settings
 Get tested if experiencing COVID-19 symptoms
 Stay at least 6 feet from others
 Avoid crowds and poorly ventilated spaces

State guidance on face coverings, requires that all individuals regardless of vaccination status wear a mask in the following indoor settings:
 On public transit
 Indoors in K-12 schools, childcare
 Emergency shelters and cooling centers

Due to the recent rise in COVID-19 cases, masks are strongly encouraged for all vaccinated individuals and are required for unvaccinated individuals in indoor public settings and businesses including retail, restaurants, theaters, local government offices serving the public and other settings.

Calaveras Public Health is offering COVID-19 testing at the San Andreas Library on Tuesday, August 3, from 9am-12pm. The library is located at 1299 Gold Hunter Road, San Andreas. To schedule an appointment visit https://bit.ly/3hoInsy. People who do not have internet access should call (209) 754-6460 to schedule an appointment. All minors need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Please bring health insurance information. If you’re uninsured, the government pays for your test. Walk-ins are accepted.

Symptoms of COVID-19 may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19:
 Fever or chills
 Cough
 Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
 Fatigue
 Muscle or body aches
 Headache
 New loss of taste or smell
 Sore throat
 Congestion or runny nose
 Nausea or vomiting
 Diarrhea

Look for emergency warning signs for COVID-19. If someone is showing signs, seek emergency care immediately:
 Trouble breathing
 New confusion or weakness
 Bluish lips or face
 Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
 Inability to wake or stay awake

Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 prevents severe illness, hospitalization, and death. With the Delta variant, getting vaccinated is more urgent than ever. Any eligible person interested in getting vaccinated can go to any of the following mobile vaccination clinics. Walk-ins are accepted.

Vaccination sites and locations:

Murphys – Wednesday, August 4
Music in the Park
480 Park Lane
12:30PM-8:30PM

Murphys, Saturday, August 7
Brice Station
3353 CA Hwy 4
5:00PM-9:00PM

San Andreas – Thursday, August 5
Avalon
900 Mountain Ranch Road
10:00AM-7:00PM

Mokelumne Hill, Sunday, August 8
Mokelumne Hill Library
8328 Main Street
12:00PM-8:00PM

West Point – Friday, August 6
West Point Elementary
54 Bald Mountain Road
3:00PM-6:00PM

To receive information and resources related to COVID-19 visit the Calaveras County COVID-19 website.
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