San Andreas, CA…On Tuesday, November 24, 2020, Calaveras Public Health confirmed 1 death and 28 additional cases of COVID-19 in Calaveras County. The death includes a male between 18-49 years of age who resided in District 1. The individual tested positive for COVID-19 and was unable to recover. HIPAA privacy rules regulate the sharing of protected health information. No additional information will be reported about these individuals.

The 28 additional COVID-19 cases include: one female and four males between 0-17 years of age, six females, five males, and one unspecified between 18-49 years of age, three females and six males between 50-64 years of age, and one female and one male over the age of 65. There are eight cases to report in District 1, one case in District 2, five cases in District 3, nine cases in District 4, and five cases in District 5.

Everyone is at risk for COVID-19 and should take precautions to avoid getting exposed to the virus. Older adults and people with underlying medical conditions are at increased risk for severe illness and death from COVID-19. This means that they may be hospitalized, require a ventilator to help them breathe, or may even be fatal. COVID-19 can be very serious and Calaveras Public Health asks that you follow the safety guidelines.

With the holidays fast approaching, Calaveras Public Health urges the public to remain cautious. The safest way to gather during the holidays is to spend time with people in the same household and gather virtually with family and friends who aren’t from your household. To keep yourself and your loved ones safe, follow the Guidelines for Gatherings and tips for a healthier holiday season. Traveling to see friends and family during the holidays could increase your risk of infection and further the spread of COVID-19 in your community. The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) strongly recommends:

 Californians stay home or in their region and avoid non-essential travel
 Anyone arriving into California should voluntarily self-quarantine for 14 days. For complete details and requirements, read CDPH’s Travel Advisory.

No-cost testing for COVID-19 is available at the OptumServe COVID-19 testing site in Sonora. The site is located at the Mother Lode Fairgrounds, Blake Elliot Building (Creekside), 220 Southgate Drive, Sonora, CA 95370. Days and hours of operation are Tuesday-Saturday from 7:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M. If you would like to be tested for COVID-19 please register at www.lhi.care/covidtesting or call (888) 634-1123.

Testing for COVID-19 is advised, especially:
 People who have symptoms of COVID-19
 People who have had close contact with someone that is confirmed to have COVID-19
 People who have been asked or referred to get tested by their healthcare provider

To date, Calaveras Public Health reports a total of 450 confirmed cases of COVID-19. Of those cases, 378 cases have since recovered while 50 cases remain active. There have been a total of 22 confirmed deaths related to COVID-19 reported in Calaveras County.

Public Health staff continue 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 and monitored for signs and symptoms of COVID-19 illness.

Take action to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The best ways to avoid exposure to COVID-19 are to:
 Wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth in public places and anywhere you will be around people who do not live with you, including close friends and family.
 Wash your hands often. Use soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
 Stay at least 6 feet away from other people.
 Stay home if you are sick.

Symptoms can appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. The symptoms of COVID-19 include:
 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

A person who has tested positive with COVID-19 may not have all or any of these
symptoms. A person who has tested positive but does not have any symptoms is considered asymptomatic and can still pass on the virus to others while they are infectious.

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

On November 16, 2020, the California Department of Public Health announced immediate changes to the state’s 4-tier system. The changes come as cases rapidly rise and COVID-19 becomes more widespread. Changes to the tier system can occur any day of the week and may occur more than once a week when immediate action is needed to slow the spread of COVID-19. Counties are required to put into place any sector changes the day following the tier announcement. The goal is to make sure patients can get the access to care they need and prevent hospitals from being overrun. The change, however, does not alter state guidelines governing school reopenings.

As of today, Calaveras County rolled back from orange (moderate risk level) to red (substantial risk level), a more restrictive tier on the state’s 4-tier COVID-19 system. This means that some non-essential indoor businesses must close. Calaveras Public Health urges caution and encourages people to take the necessary steps to prevent being exposed to the virus and help the county continue to lower its risk level. Visit Blueprint for a Safer Economy to find specific business information and the county’s latest status.

Calaveras Public Health asks the public to be aware of scams. A contact tracer will never ask for your social security number, bank account number, or credit card information. Our contact tracers work for Calaveras Public Health. Contact tracers help contact people who have COVID-19 to track symptoms and make sure to keep our community safe and prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Calaveras Public Health encourages that all people 6 months and older get their yearly flu vaccine. While getting the flu vaccine will not protect against COVID-19, it is shown to reduce the risk of flu illness, hospitalization, and death. Please speak with your local medical provider or pharmacist for flu vaccine.

Due to the Thanksgiving holiday, Calaveras Public Health will not be releasing a press release on Friday, November 27. To receive information and resources related to COVID-19 visit the Calaveras County COVID-19 website.