San Andreas, CA…On Friday, July 31, 2020 Calaveras Public Health reported 17 new cases of COVID-19 in Calaveras County. This is largest increase reported in a single reporting period. The additional cases include four females and four males between 18 to 49 years of age, one male between 50-64 years of age, four females and two males over the age of 65, and two cases are currently being determined. Six cases were reported in District 1, Districts 2 and 4 had two reported cases each, District 3 had one case, and District 5 had four cases. The place of residence is still being determined for two cases.

One of the newly reported cases was confirmed in an elderly female resident of Avalon Health Care San Andreas. Investigations are underway jointly between Calaveras Public Health epidemiology staff and Avalon infection control representatives to determine the source of the infection, and whether other residents or staff may be infected. Strict infection prevention activities remain in effect in the facility. According to Avalon administration, this appears to be an isolated case and no spread of the virus to other residents appears to have occurred.

“The rate of new COVID-19 cases in Calaveras County continues to accelerate. Outbreaks in nursing homes can be devastating to the high risk residents who live there. We need everyone to help us protect Calaveras from COVID-19 as we wait for new treatments and a vaccine. The best way to do that is to ensure that local businesses and our community work together to keep each other healthy – wear a face covering, get tested, wash your hands often, stay home if you are sick, and practice physical distancing,” said Dr. Dean Kelaita, Calaveras County Health Officer. “When individuals gather with people outside of their household, it places the community at risk of COVID-19 spread, especially when preventive actions aren’t followed,” said Dr. Kelaita.

To date, Calaveras Public Health has reported 125 confirmed cases of COVID-19. Of those cases, 96 cases have since recovered while 28 cases remain active. There has been one reported death related to COVID-19 in Calaveras County.

The best ways to avoid exposure to the virus are to:
 Stay home as much as you can
 Stay at least 6 feet away from people outside of your household
 Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
 Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
 Wear a face covering over your nose and mouth when around others

Calaveras Public Health staff continues to investigate new cases to determine any possible persons who may have had close personal contact with the positive individuals. Close contacts may be contacted by the health department, assessed and monitored for signs and symptoms of COVID-19 illness.

Symptoms can 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

No-cost testing for COVID-19 is available to anyone who would like to get tested. The OptumServe COVID-19 testing site located at the Calaveras County Fairgrounds is open Tuesday-Saturday from 7:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M. Testing is now available to those age 3 and older. People are highly encouraged to register online. People without Internet access should call (888) 634-1123.

As of Tuesday, July 28th, Calaveras Public Health began providing the number of COVID-19 tests reported in the last 14 days rather than the total number of tests conducted to-date. This move aligns with the county data monitoring system put into action by the California Department of Public Health. Monitoring COVID-19 closely in Calaveras County will help keep the public informed and ready if restrictions are needed to slow the spread of COVID-19. To receive information and resources related to COVID-19 visit the Calaveras County COVID-19 website.