Click here to view additional resources and information on COVID-19.
05/21/2020
ORDER OF THE LAKE COUNTY HEALTH OFFICERREQUIRING MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO WEAR FACE COVERINGSWHEN ENTERING LOCAL BUSINESSES AND FACILITIES
DATE OF ORDER: May 21, 2020
ORDER No. C20-06
Effective 12:01 a.m. on Thursday May 21, 2020 and will remain in effect until further notice
Summary:
- All persons shall wear face coverings (cloth masks) when entering all local businesses or facilities, for workers and patrons, alike.
- This Order does not apply to person's private residence or their outdoor space. This Order does not apply when the person is driving alone or with members of their households, unless the windows in the vehicle are lowered to interact with first responders, food service workers, or other persons who are not members of their households. Persons should refrain from purchasing medical-grade masks, such as surgical masks and N95 respirators; those are critical supplies that must continue to be reserved for healthcare workers and other medical first responders coming into contact with infected persons.
- Face coverings means any fabric or cloth that covers the mouth and nose. The face covering can be made using household items (including scarves, bandanas, t-shirts, sweatshirts, towels, turtlenecks, or other fabric), can be sewn by hand, or factory-made. Further guidance on face coverings could be found here:
• https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/201 9-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html
• https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Face-Coverings-Guidance.aspx
05/08/2020
ORDER OF THE LAKE COUNTY HEALTH OFFICER
ALIGNING LOCAL ORDER WITH GOVERNOR’S STAY AT HOME
ORDER
05/01/2020
ORDER OF THE LAKE COUNTY HEALTH OFFICER EXTENDING AND MODIFYING THE SHELTER AT HOME ORDER ISSUED ON MARCH 18, 2020DATE OF ORDER: May 1, 2020 ORDER No. C20-04
ADDENDUM TO LAKE COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH ORDERS EFFECTIVE AT 2 PM 04/23/20
(see full text here)
Summary:
The intent of this Order is to align the local Public Health Order with the Governor’s
State of California “Roadmap to Modify the Stay-at-Home Order,” regarding
transmission of Novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 (“COVID-19”). The prior local
Shelter-in-Place Order has resulted in flat or reduced hospitalizations and ICU
admissions for greater than 14 days, adequate hospital capacity, and lengthening of the case doubling time. Aligning with the Governor’s order balances the risk of increased transmission with the need to protect individuals at high risk of disease, as well as the social, emotional, and economic impact of certain restrictions. Effective immediately and until further notice, all individuals, businesses, and government agencies in Lake County (“County”) are required to follow the Governor’s State
Orders.
Included below are a county press release, the updated health officer orders and information regarding Library Park. While some changes such as allowing fishing from shore where parks are open would be allowed, they are not applicable to Library Park:
CITY OF LAKEPORT
Library Park remains fully closed: Updated Health Officer Orders allowing activity do not apply to Library Park
Updated Lake County Public Health Orders Issued today by Health Officer Doctor Gary Pace now allow some activities including fishing from shore, hiking and jogging in areas where public parks are open. Library Park remains fully closed and these activities will not be allowed. While the city does desire to open Library Park as soon as we can, we must be able to fully provide for public health and safety and there are additional reasons why we can not yet allow any activities. Major construction is still in progress at Library Park, to protect our employees we have limited park staff available and we do not have any open public restrooms available. We will continually assess our ability to allow public access as we understand the people’s desire to use their public park lands.
04/23/2020
ORDER OF THE HEALTH OFFICER No. C20-3; A4
Addendum A4 Dated April 23, 2020
SHELTER-IN-PLACE ORDER UPDATE
(see full text here)
Summary:
UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF CALIFORNIA HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE SECTIONS 101040, 101085, AND 120175, THE HEALTH OFFICER OF THE COUNTY OF LAKE (“HEALTH OFFICER”) ORDERS THE FOLLOWING (TO TAKE EFFECT 1400 HOURS ON THURSDAY APRIL 23, 2020):
- Continue following the Governor’s EXECUTIVE ORDER N-33-20, dated March 19, 2020, except in the instances where the local Health Order is more restrictive.
- Public Health Order C20-3 (with addendums 1,2 & 3) will continue as written, except for the following additions/modifications:
A. Recreation:
1. Golf courses can now open for play (excluding pro shops and restaurants), provided the following are strictly observed:
a) Social distancing of 6 feet or more must be maintained;
b) No gathering of more than 2 people, only one person per cart;
c) All ball washers shall be covered and flag pins shall be removed;
d) The cup on each green shall be inverted or otherwise installed to eliminate high-frequency touch services on the greens and tees;
e) Persons may use a driving range provided range balls are properly sanitized before distribution to customers (stand-alone golf driving ranges may also operate);
f) Practice putting greens shall remain closed;
g) Any “Pro Shops” or similar facilities designed for the sale of golf-related equipment and supplies shall remain closed; and
h) Snack shop(s) and restaurant(s) shall remain closed.
2. Other outdoor activities are permitted, as long as they are performed alone, with no direct or indirect physical contact, without sharing equipment, and with no group congregation (examples may include shooting baskets, archery, Frisbee golf, etc.), provided the following are observed:
a) Social distancing must be maintained;
b) Play structures in parks shall remain closed until further notice, due to concerns regarding increased risk of viral transmission.
3. Fishing from the shore of the lake (in areas where the parks are open) is permitted, as long as social distancing of 6 feet is maintained. No gatherings of more than 2 people.
4. Hiking and jogging in parks that are open for such purposes is permitted, provided
social distancing of 6 feet is maintained. No gatherings of greater than 2 people.
5. Paddle-propelled watercraft that can be launched by hand are permitted in the
lake, with a maximum of 2 people in them. Sailboats are excluded. Public boat ramps shall remain closed.
6. Highland Springs Firing Ranges are permitted to open, provided appropriate
social distancing is maintained.
B. Businesses:
1) Real estate: virtual showings and dealings need to be the first line approach to real estate viewing and transactions. In order to limit possible exposure, no more than two visitors at a time representing the buyer and one individual showing the unit are allowed. The current residents of the unit should not be present. Cloth facial coverings must be used, and proper hand-washing and disinfection practices must be performed for in person showings.
2) Pet groomers can open with appropriate social distancing.
3) Hair/Nail salons, Barber shops and Cosmetology businesses will remain closed at this point, in accordance with the current state orders.
04/23/2020
COVID-19 Update: Beginning to Loosen Restrictions
Gary Pace MD, MPH
(see full text here)
Summary:
At 2:00 pm today April 23, some loosening of restrictions will go into effect (with restrictions aimed at maintaining social distancing).
Today’s Addendum to the Shelter-in-Place Order is not intended to further restrict the ability of families living within the same household to engage in Essential Activities. The intent is to enable additional opportunities for individuals and business to resume relatively low risk activities, while observing social distancing, and gathering in groups no larger than two.
Please see the Order for specifics:
Recreation that will be allowed:
o Golf courses can open in a limited way.
o Hiking and jogging at parks that are open.
o Canoeing, kayaking, and other paddle-propelled, hand-launched watercraft are allowed in the lake, excluding sailboats.
o Highland Springs Shooting Ranges can open.
o Other solitary recreational activities that do not involve physical contact or group activity (like shooting baskets, Frisbee golf, archery) will be allowed.
o Fishing from the shore.
Businesses
o Pet grooming.
o Real estate transactions can be pursued. They should be done as much as possible virtually, but can be done in person when necessary.
o Note: While there has been public interest, hair salons and cosmetology are still not permitted to operate, under the Governor’s order.
This loosening will hopefully allow the community to get some relief from staying inside all the time. However, significant health risks associated with COVID-19 do remain.
Particularly as restrictions begin to loosen, it is essential that people:
������� Maintain social distancing, keep good hygiene, and preferably wear masks when out.
������� Vulnerable populations (over 65 and/or with chronic medical conditions) should continue to stay safe at home.
������� We discourage people from crossing county lines, since this is an important way that the virus spreads.
04/07/2020
Shelter-in-Place Modified and Extended to 5/3; Lake County Schools to Deliver Distance-Based Instruction through End of School Year
(see full text here)
Summary:
Recent days have brought confirmation of Lake County’s first and now second confirmed COVID-19 case, and there are clear indications regional activity of the virus continues to escalate. As of this morning (April 6) at 6:30am, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) had confirmed 15,158 total positive cases in California, and 350 deaths. Effects in cities and rural areas, alike, around the country have been truly sobering, and it has never been more important that we remain vigilant to protect those close to us, and those most vulnerable in our communities.
At the recommendation of Governor Gavin Newsom and State Superintendent Tony Thurmond, Lake County Office of Education acted Friday, April 3, to extend their distance-based instruction, “through the end of the school year, unless the situation improves and warrants a safe return to the classroom.” I have been in regular contact with Superintendent Falkenberg and others, and strongly believe this move reflects the actual conditions brought by the COVID-19 epidemic. This change is reflected in a new Addendum to the School Operations Modification Order (Order of the Health Officer No. C20-1, A2).
In recognition of the growing threat we are facing, I am also extending the local Shelter-in-Place Order (Order of the Health Officer No. C20-3, inclusive of Addenda 1 and 2, last amended prior to this update March 23, 2020).
Through May 3, 2020, all individuals currently living within the County (including the incorporated Cities of Clearlake and Lakeport) are ordered to shelter at their place of residence, unless leaving for Essential Activities, Essential Government Functions, to work for Essential Businesses, or to perform Minimum Basic Operations for non-essential businesses. Each of these terms is defined as indicated in Addendum 3 (No. C20-3, A3).
04/05/2020
First Case of COVID-19 Identified in Lake County
(see full text here)
Summary:
The first case of COVID-19 in Lake County was identified April 5, 2020. The transmission appears to have been from contact with a known case at an out-of-county workplace. There is no evidence of community spread, at this point. The patient is currently doing well, following appropriate precautions, and is isolated.
Public Health Nursing is communicating with the patient, and helping the person to safely follow the home isolation protocol. Contact Tracing is underway, as well. In order to slow community spread, we want to take whatever steps possible to identify any close contacts that could be infected, and separate the sick people from those that aren’t sick.
03/31/2020
Please be advised that the City of Lakeport Office of Emergency Services has issued Executive Order 2020-01, which authorizes the use of administrative citations for violations of orders issued by the Lake County Public Health Officer or Governor of the State of California. This includes the current Shelter in Place directive. Violations of said order hereby constitutes a violation of the Lakeport Municipal Code and a public nuisance subject to the enforcement as provided in Lakeport Municipal Code Chapters 1.08, 8.22, and 8.30.
Our goal remains achieving voluntary compliance with all directives as a means of reducing the spread of the COVID-19 virus without our community. We do not desire to issue citations, however should the need arise this order gives the Lakeport Police Department more flexibility with enforcement of the local and state orders.
Director of Emergency Services Executive Order No. 2020-01
Enforcement of Public Health Office Orders and Governor Newsome's Executive Orders in the City of Lakeport
(see full text here)
Summary:
Margaret Silveira, City Manager of the City of Lakeport, as Director of Emergency Services, in accordance with the authority vested in me by Government Code section 8634 and Lakeport Municipal Code section 2.28.120(F)(1) does hereby issue the following order to become effective immediately:
- All orders issued by the Lake County Health Officer are mandatory and enforceable within the City of Lakeport. Violation of any order issued by the Lake County Health Officer hereby constitutes a violation of the Lakeport Municipal Code and a public nuisance subject to enforcement as provided in Lakeport Municipal Code Chapters 1.08, 8.22, and 8.30
- All executive orders issued by the Governor of the State of California relating to COVID-19 are mandatory and enforceable within the City of Lakeport. Violation of any order issued by the Governor of the State of California relating to COVID-19 hereby constitutes a violation of the Lakeport Municipal Code and a public nuisance subject to enforcement as provided in Lakeport Municipal Code Chapters 1.08, 8.22, and 8.30.
- This Order shall be filed in the office of the City Clerk, posted at Lakeport City Hall, on the City’s website, published in a local newspaper and posted in public spaces as practicable.
- If any provision of this Order to the application thereof to any person or circumstance is held to be invalid, the reminder of the Order, including the application of such part or provision to other persons or circumstances, shall not be affected and shall continue in full force and effect. To this end, the provisions of this Order are severable.
03/22/2020
ORDER OF THE HEALTH OFFICER No. C20-3; ALL IN-PERSON ACTIVITIES AND GATHERINGS TO STOP OR BE CANCELLED
Addendum (1) 03/22/2020
ORIGINIAL ORDER DATED MARCH 18, 2020
DATE OF ADDENDUM ORDER: March 22, 2020
(see full text here)
Summary:
The risk from coronavirus continues to escalate in our region and across the
country. We have taken strong measures to try to slow the spread-- issuing emergency orders, closing schools, and on March 19, Lake County began following "shelter in place" orders. These actions are very disruptive to people's lives and financial security, yet they are necessary to prevent the spread of this potentially devastating illness. Public Health Officer issued Order c20-3 for the County was issued on March 19, 2020 and was similar to orders issued by many neighboring counties that mandated people stay home and stop all nonessential
visitation and gatherings, except to conduct "essential business." What constitutes "Essential" businesses are well-outlined in the order, and FAQs that can be found on our webpage. Governor Newsom issued similar orders for the whole state the following day. Reportedly, 25% of the US population has been placed under some form of these isolation orders.
We need public cooperation to stop any unnecessary activity. Please do not ignore the Order to stay at home with your family. Mixing with other people, ignoring social distancing, having out of town guests are the ways that this virus will get a foothold in the community. Given the escalation of regional COVID-19 infections, and given the fact that over the weekend there has been significant recreational activity in local parks, hotels, and on Clear Lake that increase the risk of transmission, deem it necessary to take stronger action in an attempt to prevent the introduction and transmission of the coronavirus into Lake County.
Under any of the limited circumstances in which individuals are allowed to interact in person outside their residence, the Health Officer Order directs individuals to abide by the following requirements:
(i) maintain at least six feet from other individuals, wash hands with soap and
water for at least 20 seconds, or use hand sanitizer, as frequently as possible,
cover coughs or sneezes, and not shake hands; and
(ii) people with medical conditions, regardless of age, putting them at higher risk of serious complications should they be infected with COVID-19, other than health care workers and other essential service providers, SHALL SHELTER AT HOME unless seeking medical care; and
(iii) employers in Lake County that do not provide essential business or government services, take all steps necessary for employees to work from home, to the extent possible. These requirements build on the California Department of Public Health and United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines issued March 11, 2020, extended as necessary to address the health emergency affecting the Lake County, and
(iv) No individual who is sick may go to the workplace or be outside the home,
except as necessary to seek or receive medical care in accordance with guidance from public health officials.
THIS ORDER IS IN ADDITION TO THE PUBLIC HEALTH ORDER NUMBER C20-3, ISSUED March 18, 2020 A COPY OF WHICH IS A TT ACHED TO THIS ORDER AND INCORPORATED BY THIS REFERENCE AS WELL AS THE STATE GUIDANCE REGARDING ESSENTIAL CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE WORKERS ISSUED MARCH 20, 2020.
THIS DOES NOT REPLACE THE PRIOR ORDERS BUT IS IN ADDITION TO.
The Health Officer may revise this Order as the situation evolves, and all service providers and managers of facilities subject to this Order must stay updated by regularly checking the Public Health website (http://health.co.lake.ca.us/Coronavirus.htm).
03/18/2020
ORDER OF THE HEALTH OFFICER No. C20-3
ORDER OF THE HEALTH OFFICER OF THE COUNTY OF LAKE DIRECTING ALL INDIVIDUALS LIVING IN THE COUNTY TO SHELTER AT THEIR PLACE OF RESIDENCE, EXCEPT THAT THEY MAY LEAVE TO PROVIDE OR RECEIVE CERTAIN ESSENTIAL SERVICES OR ENGAGE IN CERTAIN ESSENTIAL ACTIVITIES AND WORK FOR ESSENTIAL BUSINESS AND GOVERNMENT SERVICES; EXEMPTING INDIVIDUALS EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS FROM THE SHELTER IN PLACE ORDER BUT URGING THEM TO FIND SHELTER; DIRECTING ALL BUSINESSES AND GOVERNMENTAL AGENCIES TO CEASE NON- ESSENTIAL OPERATIONS AT PHYSICAL LOCATIONS IN THE COUNTY; PROHIBITING ALL NONESSENTIAL GATHERINGS OF ANY NUMBER OF INDIVIDUALS; AND ORDERING CESSATION OF ALL NON-ESSENTIAL TRAVEL
(SHELTER IN PLACE)
DATE OF ORDER: March 18, 2020
(See full text here)
Summary:
The virus that causes Coronavirus 2019 Disease ("COVID-1 9") is easily transmitted, especially in group settings, and it is essential the spread of the virus be slowed, to protect the ability of public and private health care providers to handle the influx of new patients and safeguard public health and safety. Because of the risk ofrapid spread of the virus, and the need to protect all residents of the two cities and unincorporated areas within the boundaries of the County of Lake, particularly those most vulnerable to the virus and health care providers, this Order requires all individuals anywhere in the County of Lake to shelter in place-that is, stay at home-except for certain essential activities and work to provide essential business and government services or perform essential public infrastructure construction, including housing. This order begins at 12:0 I a.m. on March 19, 2020 and will continue through 11 :59 p.m. on April 10, 2020, subject to the limited exceptions and under the terms and conditions more particularly set forth below.
03/18/2020
Advisory: A shelter in place order issued by the Lake County Public Health Officer is anticipated in the next 24-36 hours
NOTE: The order will be posted here once it has been issued
A shelter in place order issued by the Lake County Public Health Officer is anticipated in the next 24-36 hours for all of Lake County due to the COVID-19 Virus threat. Residents will be asked to shelter at their place of residence and cease all non-essential activities or travels. The following is a broad overview of activities that will be allowed:
- Attending Medical/Veterinarian Appointments
- Travel to Essential Businesses: Grocery Stores, Pharmacies, Restaurants for Pickup/Delivery, and Hardware Stores
- Compliance with Court Orders (Child Exchange)
- Conducting Business with Banks
- Gas Stations for Fuel
- Outside Activities With Immediate Family(Adhering to Social Distancing)
- Picking up School Lunches
- Private Patrol Operators Working for Planned Communities
- Homeless Will be Exempt but Encouraged to Find Shelter
This is not the order and more detailed information will provided when the order is issued by the Public Health Officer.
03/16/2020
CITY OF LAKEPORT OPERATIONAL CHANGES RELATED TO COVID-19
As a means to aid in stopping the continued spread of the COVID-19 virus through the implementation of recommended Center for Disease Control (CDC) social distancing practices, the public lobbies of Lakeport City Hall and Lakeport Police Department will be closed to the public until April 13, 2020.
The City of Lakeport remains committed to the provision of high quality essential services during this evolving emergency. With the safety of the citizens and the employees of the City of Lakeport in mind, those seeking services from the City are requested to conduct activities through the phone or by email. Specific contact information for City Services are provided below:
Police Services
The Lakeport Police Department will continue to respond to emergency calls and non-emergency calls for service. For emergencies call 911 and non-emergencies call (707) 263-2690. For general administrative business (e.g. evidence and records requests, tow retrieval, etc.) please call (707) 263-5491 ext. 8 or email info@lakeportpolice.com.
Fire & Emergency Medical Services
For all fire and medical related emergencies call 911. For all other fire and administrative services call (707) 263-4296 or email mhuff@lakeportfire.com.
Utility Payments and Account Services
To speak with a Lakeport Finance Department representative regarding utility billing or account services please call (707) 263-5615 ext.305 or email financeinfo@cityoflakeport.com. Utility payments may be made online at https://www.municipalonlinepayments.com/lakeportca or by phone at 1-833-208-7229.
Building & Planning Services, Permitting and Inspections
For assistance related to building and planning services, permitting and inspections please call (707) 263-5615 ext. 204 or email CDD@cityoflakeport.com. Building permit submittal and inspection services may be scheduled through special arrangements.
Public Works
For the reporting of utility and infrastructure problems please call (707) 263-3578 or email admininfo@cityoflakeport.com.
Business Licensing
For payments, obtaining a license or general business licensing inquiries please call (707) 263-5615 ext. 204 or email businesslicensing@cityoflakeport.com.
Special Events Scheduling & Reservations
Reserving public spaces and requesting street closures for special events during this continuing emergency will be limited. For more information please call (707) 263-5615 ext. 102 or by email at admininfo@cityoflakeport.com.
Public Meetings
The City of Lakeport is working on an alternative procedures for the administering of upcoming public meetings, including City Council meetings. Additional information to follow prior to the Tuesday, March 17, 2020 City Council meeting at 6:00 PM.
The City’s priority during this declared emergency is to continue to protect the public, as well as our employees so we may continue to serve, by limiting the spread of COVID-19. We appreciate your understanding and your patience.
03/12/2020
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
What is the Proper Level of Concern and Preparation for Coronavirus?
March 12, 2020
Gary Pace MD, MPH, Public Health Officer, COUNTY OF LAKE
If you are watching the news, you recognize that coronavirus situation is rapidly changing. The World Health Organization now says that we are in a ‘pandemic,’ the stock market is dropping quickly, colleges are closing around the state, and some sports events are beginning to be cancelled. Yet there are still only about 1000 documented cases in the United States, and a handful of deaths at this moment. Are we over-reacting?
In Lake County, we are still at low risk of getting coronavirus. We have not had any people testing positive yet, but we have only been able to do a limited number of tests. There is no known community spread, but there may be some people with the virus in our county that we haven’t been aware of. At Public Health, we have been monitoring some returned travelers, and following some sick people who have been tested, but so far there have been no positive cases here.
We did declare a “Local Health Emergency” and the Board of Supervisors ratified it on Tuesday, March 10. This was not done to cause more anxiety, but is meant to allow us to make changes quickly (if needed), to request supplies and staffing (if needed), and to access emergency State and Federal funds (if needed).
Also, the California Department of Public Health came out on March 12 with strong recommendations limiting group gatherings:
- Postponing or canceling non-essential gatherings including 250 people or more,
- Smaller gatherings should be held in venues that allow social distancing (keeping 6 feet distance between people),
- Canceling events of 10 or more people that are in vulnerable groups—senior citizens, immune-compromised.
This is a significant change, which reflects the intention to limit mixing of people, thus preventing the introduction and the spread of the virus. As seen in Washington State and Italy, once the virus gets a firm foothold and starts spreading, the situation can get to be difficult to manage. It appears that strong attempts to slow or stop this spread by limiting group gatherings and social mixing can be effective.
Testing. There are a lot of questions about how to get testing if one is sick. Please see the attached document: Can You Get Tested For Coronavirus If You Are Sick?
County agencies, schools, and healthcare providers are in regular communication in order to prepare and adapt to the changing environment. We are also involved in regular communication with the public. Our website is becoming a good resource, and there are some documents translated into Spanish. We are also trying to provide weekly press releases and a social media forum hopefully starting next week.
With no cases currently identified in the county, but with the situation worsening in the larger Bay Area, we are recognizing that we are in a unique situation and that limiting large group gatherings may allow us to prevent the virus from getting a solid foothold here, or at least slow down the process, and thus minimizing impact on the healthcare system. Our particular concern is our most vulnerable populations—the seniors and people with underlying medical condition.
Overall, we want to continue to try to walk the line between adequate, reasonable preparation for what may come down the road, without causing unnecessary concern or panic. We live in a resilient community with reasonable, practical leadership. If we are very lucky, this outbreak may pass by Lake County without significant impact, but we appreciate the diligent efforts by so many of our community agencies and partners to prepare for the possibility that we do begin seeing cases.
Local Health Emergency Declared for Lake County
in Response to Coronavirus (COVID-19)
March 10, 2020
Gary Pace, MD, MPH-- Lake County Public Health Officer
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – On March 9, 2020, Lake County Health Officer Dr. Gary Pace, declared a local public health emergency in response to Novel Coronavirus, also known as COVID-19. As of today, Lake County remains at no laboratory confirmed cases of COVID-19. The local health emergency has been executed in an effort to be proactive, allowing the County to expedite their planning and response to potential COVID-19 cases and make additional resources available to the County to limit and slow community spread of the disease.
(Click here to view Emergency Declaration)
Although the individual risk for contracting COVID-19 continues to remain low in Lake County, all community members should take the opportunity to plan for the possibility of local cases and the potential for community spread. Clearly, the virus is spreading widely—as of March 8, 2020, there were four hundred twenty-three (423) cases in the United States with nineteen (19) deaths. Outbreaks continue to spread in Africa, Americas, Eastern Mediterranean, Europe, South East Asia and the Western Pacific-- and the global impacts are beginning to be felt.
Lake County Public Health is prepared to manage and investigate suspected and confirmed cases of COVID-19. Public Health will continue to work closely with federal, state, and local partners to provide the public with accurate information about actions to be taken to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and to care for those who may become ill with this virus. As with other respiratory infections, there are steps that everyone can take to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
People Can Protect Themselves By:
The best way to prevent the spread of illness, including; seasonal flu, novel coronavirus (COVID-19)
and other respiratory illness is to practice everyday illness prevention steps:
- Washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing
- If soap and water are not readily available, use alcohol-based sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, making sure to rub your hands together until the sanitizer is dry
- Cover you cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash
- Avoiding touching eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoiding close contact with people who are sick.
- Staying home if you are sick, especially from work, school and public places.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces
Personal Preparation Measures Include:
- Gradually stock up extra supplies of important items, such as: soap, hand sanitizer, tissues, over the counter medications and prescription medications.
- Gradually stock up on non-perishable foods.
- Create a back-up plan for work, school and childcare in the event of closures.
- Talk to your workplace about getting ready. Plan for telework, if possible.
- Create a space in your home to care for sick family members.
- Replace handshakes with elbow-bumps – make a game of this with your kids.
What to Do if You Think You’re Sick:
Previously, all testing was being performed at the CDC laboratory in Atlanta.
Diagnostic testing for Coronavirus is becoming more available with state testing at nineteen (19) California Public Health Laboratories including in Sonoma County. Commercial labs like Quest are now offering these tests. Unfortunately, the capacity continues to be limited, so during this transition period, only the highest risk patients are recommended to receive testing. Speak with your medical provider if you have symptoms.
Call Ahead if You Have Symptoms:
If you develop a fever, cough and shortness of breath, and believe you could have COVID-19, notify your healthcare provider by phone. Call ahead so that you can be safely evaluated and prevent exposing others.
Always check with trusted sources for the latest accurate information about novel coronavirus COVID-19 by visiting the following websites:
CDC Website:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov
CDPH Website:
https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Immunization/nCOV2019.aspx
and/or
Contact Lake County Public Health (707) 263-1090. http://health.co.lake.ca.us/