San Andreas, CA…Today, August 20, 2020, Calaveras Public Health confirmed that Calaveras County will be taken off the County Monitoring List. Local COVID-19 data has fallen below the limits outlined by the California Department of Public Health for three consecutive days.

Per the state, industries or activities that were required to close this week unless they were modified to operate outside or by pick-up must remain closed even with movement off the County Monitoring List. The state is in the process of evaluating when businesses required to close can be allowed to reopen. Industries or activities included:
 Gyms and fitness centers
 Places of worship and cultural ceremonies, like weddings and funerals
 Offices for non-critical infrastructure sectors
 Personal care services, like nail salons and body waxing
 Hair salons and barbershops
 Shopping malls

Shops that offer tattoos, piercings and electrolysis may not be operated outdoors and must close. In addition, any schools that have not yet started the school year will continue to not have the option to conduct in-person learning with modifications and will be required to continue to conduct distance learning only until Calaveras County remains off the County Monitoring List for 14 consecutive days. Schools that have already started the school year will not be required to move to distance learning educational delivery only.

“We must remain cautious in how we move forward. To continue in a positive direction, the public is urged to continue to wear face masks, keep six feet apart, get tested, wash hands often, and stay home if sick,” said Dr. Dean Kelaita, Calaveras County Health Officer. “Avoid any gatherings if physical distancing and mask wearing cannot be followed. There is no doubt that our current situation is further strengthened when we work together to help in the fight against COVID-19 and keep us off the monitoring list.”

The best ways to avoid exposure to the virus are to:
 Stay home if you are sick
 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

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