Amador County, CA – Amador County Public Health reports 55 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the total laboratory confirmed case count to 1,477, and 1 additional death since last Tuesday’s update. The individual who passed was a male in his 90s. The new cases include 32 males and 23 females, 6 children under the age of 18, 33 aged 18-49, 8 aged 50-64, 8 over 65 years of age; 20 residing in Ione, 14 living in Jackson, 4 living in Pine Grove, 3 in Pioneer, 8 in Plymouth/surrounding areas and 6 residing in Sutter Creek/Amador City. Nine cases, including Mule Creek State Prison (MCSP) inmates, are currently hospitalized.

This week, Amador County was only allocated 600 doses of vaccine. Public Health is administering COVID-19 vaccine as quickly as supply is issued from the state. Amador allocations continue to be extremely limited. Residents 75 years and older are eligible to register for local vaccination clinics, in addition to healthcare workers, first responders, and community outreach workers. Another vaccine clinic is being scheduled for next week and will be announced via e-notification. To sign up for Amador County e-notification visit the Amador County website: https://www.amadorgov.org/about/e-notifications. As more COVID-19 vaccine is allocated and arrives in Amador, county-run points-of-distribution (PODs) will be scheduled and posted on the Amador COVID-19 website: https://www.amadorgov.org/services/covid-19. Over 4,000 doses have been administered in Amador to-date.

Amador Public Health is working with multiple partners to prepare to for larger-scale drive-up vaccination clinics, as well as partnering with health care systems and community clinics. Those age 65 and over are encouraged to reach out to their health care provider to see if they have vaccine available. Public Health will continue to operate county-administered PODs as more vaccine becomes available. These county PODs will open to those age 75 and over first, followed by those age 65 and over.

Amador remains in the purple tier on California’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy. Moving to less restrictive tiers is linked to demonstrating to the state that our community COVID-19 activity is decreasing. Amador residents should continue testing to demonstrate decreased activity. No-cost community COVID-19 nasal swab testing has transitioned to OptumServe. Online registration may be accessed at https://lhi.care/covidtesting. Those without internet access may register by calling 1-888-634-1123. Drop-in testing is also available. Staff will assist with registration on-site. OptumServe testing will be available in Amador County on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. The new testing site is at the Health and Human Services building rear parking lot located at 10877 Conductor Blvd, Sutter Creek, CA 95685. Drive around to the rear entrance of the building, park in the area designated by red cones, and remain in your vehicle. Testing staff will approach the vehicle with instructions.

Gathering virtually or with those in your own household is the safest way to celebrate the Super Bowl this year. An outdoor viewing party where viewers can sit 6 feet apart from those they do not live with is another option. Masking is still important to reduce spread in our community. Continue wearing a mask when you are not at home. To view current Amador County COVID-19 case statistics, please visit the Amador COVID-19 website:
https://www.amadorgov.org/services/covid-19. Mule Creek State Prison inmate cases are not included in the Amador County COVID-19 totals.

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