San Andreas, CA…On Tuesday, September 29, 2020, Calaveras Public Health confirmed five new cases of COVID-19 in Calaveras County. The cases include one female and two males between 18 to 49 years of age and one female and one male over 65 years of age. Districts 1 and 4 each had two cases to report. One case is being reported in District 2. There are no new cases being reported in Districts 3 and 5.

“Today Calaveras County moved from red to orange on California’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy. This also allows us to open up other businesses and activities in the county. When all of us do our part and take preventive actions to slow the spread of COVID-19 we help lower our county risk level and protect the most vulnerable members of our community,” said Dr. Dean Kelaita, Calaveras County Health Officer. “Practice physical distancing, wear a face covering, get tested, wash your hands often, stay home if you are sick, and avoid any gatherings especially where physical distancing and masking is not being followed.”

Of the five new cases being reported, two cases are linked to an outbreak among residents of Avalon Health Care San Andreas. Public Health remains in regular contact with administration and provides them with education, technical assistance, guidance, supplies of personal protective equipment, and COVID-19 testing support. Calaveras Public Health staff continue to monitor for any new cases among staff and residents at the skilled nursing facility. Calaveras Public Health reminds the public that whenever there is community spread, residents and staff are vulnerable.

“As COVID-19 continues and we head into flu season we encourage everyone to protect themselves from the flu by getting the flu vaccine. It’s likely that flu viruses and COVID-19 will both spread this fall and winter. Getting a flu vaccine this year is more important than ever as we wait for a COVID-19 vaccine. While getting a flu vaccine will not protect against COVID-19, it is shown to reduce the risk of flu illness, hospitalization, and death. It can save healthcare resources to help take care of patients with COVID-19,” stated Dr. Kelaita. Calaveras Public Health invites the public to a no-cost drive thru flu clinic on October 15th from 9AM-4PM at Calaveras High School. The clinic is for those 10 years of age and older. Please speak with your local medical provider or pharmacist for flu vaccine to those under 10 years of age. The event is a collaboration between Calaveras Public Health and Dignity Health Mark Twain Medical Center.

Calaveras County is among California Counties where the county risk level is moderate. This change from our previous standing loosens restrictions on activities in the county. This means that some indoor business operations are allowed to open with modifications. Calaveras Public Health urges people to help the county lower its risk by taking necessary steps to prevent being exposed to the virus. Visit Blueprint for a Safer Economy to find specific business information.

To date, Calaveras Public Health reports a total of 322 confirmed cases of COVID-19. Of those cases, 300 cases have since recovered while 8 cases remain active. There have been a total of 14 confirmed deaths related to COVID-19 reported in Calaveras County.

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.

Everyone is at risk for getting COVID-19 if they are exposed to the virus. Some people are more likely than others to become severely ill. This means that they may need to be hospitalized, require a ventilator to help them breathe, or they may even die. Older adults and people with underlying medical conditions are at increased risk for severe illness and death from COVID-19.

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 available to those age 3 and older. Walk-in are accepted. People can also 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.