Sonora, CA…The Public Health Department was notified of a presumptive positive COVID-19 case in a Tuolumne County resident. The individual is a caregiver at Adventist Health Sonora’s skilled nursing facility, who is isolating at home. We will not be releasing the age and gender of the individual to protect their privacy as we are releasing their place of work.

Adventist Health Sonora’s skilled nursing facility has implemented safety protocols to protect those who live and work at their facility. This includes testing of staff and residents, which allowed for rapid identification of this positive case, the ability to immediately isolate the individual, and begin a case investigation to limit any further exposure. A press statement from Adventist Health Sonora can be viewed here: https://www.tuolumnecounty.ca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/14589/AHSR_Sierra-Care-Center_COVID-19_Increased-

Safety-Precautions-61120 Public Health is coordinating closely with Adventist Health Sonora and the California Department of Public Health on the investigation. At this time, it appears that there is no additional risk to the general public related to this case.

Public Health continues to recommend that individuals in the following categories get tested for COVID-19:
• Those who work with the public and/or work in an essential critical infrastructure job (test every 14-28 days)
• Those who have participated in gatherings with people outside of their household, including those which are constitutionally protected, such as places of worship or protests (test 3-5 days after the gathering)
• Those who have traveled outside the county (test 3-5 days after travel)
No-cost testing is available at the state testing site in Angels Camp. Schedule an appointment here: https://lhi.care/covidtesting Walk-ins are also accepted.
In addition to the activities outlined in local and State Health Officer Orders and other guidance materials issued by the CDC and California Department of Public Health, individuals should continue to take the following actions to help to prevent acquiring or spreading COVID-19:
• Practice physical distancing. Keep 6 feet between you and others who are not part of your household
• Wear a mask if you are unable to maintain 6 feet physical distance when you are in public
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds
• Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Stay home if you are sick
• Clean surfaces that are touched often, like toys, doorknobs, phones, etc.

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