Public Health Information Line
☎️209-533-7440
Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

▪️Adventist Health Sonora COVID-19 Triage Line
☎️209-536-5166
Or visit: www.AdventistHealthSonora.org 

▪️Public Health Facebook Page Updates
https://www.facebook.com/tuolumnecountypublichealth
▪️ Statewide Shelter-in-Place Order
https://covid19.ca.gov/ 
Copy of the Order HERE
▪️ California Department of Public Health COVID-19 Page
https://www.cdph.ca.gov/programs/cid/dcdc/pages/immunization/ncov2019.aspx
▪️Frequently Asked Questions About the Statewide Shelter-in-Place HERE

​▪️Printed Resources can be downloaded at the links below:
General Public Health COVID-19 Safety Flyer/Poster 
Download: English     Spanish
Steps to Help Prevent COVID-19 if You Are Sick Flyer
Download English      Spanish
What You Need to Know About Coronavirus Disease Flyer
Download English      Spanish
Wash Your Hands Poster
Download English      Spanish

​

DATE: 4-27-2020

TUOLUMNE ​CASE COUNT/TESTING*

TOTAL TESTED	TOTAL PENDING	TOTAL NEGATIVE	TOTAL POSITIVE	TOTAL DEATHS	TOTAL KNOWN NON-RESIDENT CASES **
525	0	521	4	0	0

California case numbers can be found HERE
National case numbers can be found HERE
*Tuolumne County testing numbers include those routed through Public Health to a Public Health Laboratory and those reported through the State infectious disease reporting system. The numbers do not necessarily include those routed through a commercial laboratory. All positive cases of Tuolumne County residents must be reported to Public Health. 
** Non-County resident positive COVID-19 cases for which Tuolumne County Public Health has been notified. These cases will be investigated by a Contact Investigation Team. As these cases get assigned to the individual's county of residence, they will no longer be reported here. 

——————————————————————— 🔸LATEST UPDATES🔸 ——————————————————————— Tuolumne County Public Health was notified this afternoon of a new confirmed positive COVID-19 test result in an 72 year-old male from Tuolumne County, who has recently been receiving care in a congregate living facility outside of the county. It appears that this is where he acquired the virus. The individual has not been in Tuolumne County since January and he will continue to isolate outside of the county. There is no known risk to Tuolumne County residents.

New guidance document drafts for operating a business during COVID-19 were released today, as announced by Cole Przybyla, Director of Tuolumne County Innovation & Business Assistance. That information can be viewed here: https://www.tcdisasterassistance.com/reopening-guidance-drafts The guidance is a DRAFT as the County awaits further information from the State regarding plans for modifying the statewide stay-at-home order. This Wednesday, another webinar with the business community will be held, and planning meetings with other community sectors such as recreation, tourism, schools & childcare, and our community partners who serve our most vulnerable residents are scheduled this week. Coordination with our partners has been and continues to be a vital part of our planning, preparedness, response, and recovery efforts. 

——————————————————————— 🔸GENERAL INFORMATION & PREVIOUS UPDATES🔸 ——————————————————————— ➡️Case Identification Tuolumne County Public Health was notified on 4/24 of a confirmed positive COVID-19 test result in a 90 year-old female Tuolumne County resident. The individual has recently been receiving care in a congregate living facility outside of the county and this is where it appears she acquired the virus. She has not been in Tuolumne County since January and she will continue to recuperate outside of the county. There is no known risk to Tuolumne County residents.   The California Department of Public Health has now assigned cruise ship passengers who had tested positive for COVID-19 to their counties of residence. These cases were previously assigned by the State separately to the cruise lines. We have received one such case of a 72 year-old male who completed their isolation on the cruise ship in March. Therefore, our data now indicates 2 total positive cases in Tuolumne County residents. There is no known risk to the public from this latest assigned case. • Follow-Up on the Positive Case of a 34 year-old male non-resident shared on 4/10: The individual was in the area performing essential work in accordance with the Governor’s order. The individual sought medical care in Tuolumne County and has been in isolation outside of Tuolumne County since that time. Contact tracing was conducted and it is evident that transmission occurred outside of our county, and no close contacts were identified in Tuolumne County. At this time, there is no known additional risk to Tuolumne County residents. This case will be assigned to the individual’s county of residence.

▪️ A press release was issued on 3/26 regarding the notification of a positive case of COVID-19 in a non-Tuolumne County resident being treated at Adventist Health Sonora. https://www.tuolumnecounty.ca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/14184/First-Case-Tuol-Co-COVID-19-press-release-32620
➡️Local Activations, Declarations, & Orders • While Public Health continues to collaborate with our governmental and community partners on local planning efforts that align with the Governor’s roadmap to modifying the statewide stay-at-home order, the State and local Health Officer orders are still in effect at this time. We want to thank you all for your continued cooperation. Your efforts are helping us to stay in containment, and we understand the huge sacrifice that everyone is making during these trying times. In addition to essential services that continue to be offered by governmental and community agencies, we have seen and heard of many residents and organizations coming together to assist their fellow citizens who may be in extraordinarily difficult circumstances. Your kindness and contributions are recognized and greatly appreciated.
• Tuolumne County Public Health is coordinating closely with State and Regional partners, as well as other County agencies, including the Innovation and Business Assistance Department on planning for implementing phases of the Governor’s roadmap to modifying the stay-at-home order. As part of this planning, Innovation & Business Assistance will be hosting a webinar for businesses this Wednesday, April 22nd. The webinar will engage business owners on proposed draft guidelines for businesses operating during the COVID-19 pandemic. These guidelines will allow businesses to begin planning and preparing while Public Health awaits definitive guidance from the State. Businesses may contact Innovation & Business Assistance for more information on the webinar and business planning. More information and draft documents, which are subject to change based on State directives, can be found here: https://www.tcdisasterassistance.com/post/roadmap-to-opening-tuolumne-county-businesses The City of Sonora is currently reviewing the draft documents to ensure alignment with current City ordinances. Many other facets of planning for the modification of the stay-at-home order are also ongoing and we look forward to sharing more information as plans progress. • Tuolumne County Public Health is continuing its ongoing coordination with our local, regional, and state partners for the COVID-19 response. This includes planning for coordinated efforts related to the 6 indicators in Governor Newsom's roadmap to modifying the stay-at-home order. The stay-at-home order is working, and it is saving lives. We understand the sacrifice that everyone is making during this pandemic and the public's cooperation is greatly appreciated as we strive to remain in containment and keep our community healthy. You can view the Governor's roadmap here: https://www.gov.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/California-Roadmap-to-Modify-the-Stay-at-Home-Order.pdf • An update to the Febrile Respiratory Illness (FRI) Employee Screening form can be viewed here: https://www.tuolumnecounty.ca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/14359/COVID-19-Employee-Screening-Form-Update-41420 This update incorporates the latest CDC guidance on allowing critical employees to continue working if they have been exposed to a COVID-19 positive patient, if specific precautions are taken. All essential businesses in Tuolumne County have been directed to screen their employees before they begin their shift according the local Health Officer’s Order on 3/26 and retain that documentation for at least 14 days. That order can be viewed here: https://www.tuolumnecounty.ca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/14185/Health-Officer-Order-FRI-32620?bidId= •On 4/6/20, Tuolumne County Interim Health Officer, Dr. Eric Sergienko issued a Health Officer Order clarifying essential vs. non-essential activities. See Order Here: https://www.tuolumnecounty.ca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/14286/Health-Officer-Order-Essential-vs-Non-Essential-040620 • The Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Department has issued a press release regarding education and enforcement of Health Officer Orders. View the release here: https://www.tuolumnecounty.ca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/14329/Covid-19-Education-and-Enforcement •On 4/3/20, Interim County Health Officer Dr. Eric Sergienko issued a Health Officer’s Order clarifying the Statewide ‘Stay-at-Home’ order as related to short term lodging facilities. View here: https://www.tuolumnecounty.ca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/14219/Short-Term-Lodging-HO-Order-040320 ▪️A joint City of Sonora and Tuolumne County OES press release was issued on 3/27 regarding travel to Tuolumne County. View at: https://www.tuolumnecounty.ca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/14194/Joint-Release--Visiting-Tuolumne-County ▪️The Public Health Department has activated its Department Operations Center (DOC) to most effectively respond to the COVID-19 incident, including communication and coordination with our federal, state, and local partners. This includes ongoing receipt and processing of resource requests from our partners through the Medical Health Operational Area Coordinator (MHOAC) program. ▪️Dr. Eric Sergienko, acting Tuolumne County Health Officer, has declared a local health emergency to enhance the effectiveness of the response to COVID-19, to seek and utilize mutual aid, potentially obtain reimbursement, and ensure that the County’s public health professionals and providers have all necessary resources to provide quality care and keep our community safe. ▪️The Tuolumne County Office of Emergency Services, with the approval of the Board of Supervisors, declared a local state of emergency on 3/17/20. ▪️The Tuolumne Band of Me-Wuk Indians declared a State of Emergency on 3/16/20 due to COVID-19. ▪️The City of Sonora declared a local emergency on 3/16/20 due to COVID-19. ▪️An updated notice for visitation to Tuolumne County was released on 3/26. Please view the notice at: https://www.tuolumnecounty.ca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/14187/NoticeForVisitors-32620 ➡️Statewide Updates ▪️On March 19, 2020, the State Public Health Officer Dr. Angel issued the following, “To protect public health, I as State Public Health Officer and Director of the California Department of Public Health order all individuals living in the State of California to stay home or at their place of residence except as needed to maintain continuity of operations of the federal critical infrastructure sectors. The full Executive Order, can be viewed https://covid19.ca.gov/img/Executive-Order-N-33-20.pdf. For more information about the Executive Order, visit: https://covid19.ca.gov/stay-home-except-for-essential-needs/?fbclid=IwAR16K1XfBpq_kuRtMJLNVZjP9VeIsoTvH5EkdOUFxLrMiIaUS7Bs54jJ4Z8 ▪️In order to better focus public health resources on the changing needs of California communities, as of March 18th, the state is no longer collecting information about California travelers from countries that have confirmed COVID-19 outbreaks. Community transmission has been identified in California since late February, and since early March, most of the confirmed cases in the state were not related to travel outside of the U.S. ▪️All California State Parks have been closed to vehicle traffic. View their website at https://www.parks.ca.gov/ ➡️COVID-19 Testing • In regard to antibody testing, we would like to reiterate that Public Health cannot speak to the accuracy of the tests being offered by commercial laboratories and we are not currently making a recommendation for the testing. According to a press release issued by Quest Diagnostics, the tests they are using are being submitted for Emergency Use Authorization from the FDA, but they have not yet been issued such. It is our understanding that Quest labs may be experiencing a high volume of test requests and reduced availability for processing those requests. Individuals should contact their healthcare provider to determine if testing is recommended. • Public Health has become aware that Quest Diagnostics may be able to provide COVID-19 antibody testing with a doctor’s order. We cannot speak to the accuracy of the test at this time. It appears to have received an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the FDA. It is important to note that the relationship between antibody presence and immunity is not currently known. This means that if a person tests positive for antibodies, it does not necessarily mean that the person is immune to COVID-19. It is unknown if people who test positive for COVID-19 antibodies are at risk of infection. Also, antibody tests have not been shown to definitively diagnose or exclude SARS-CoV-2 infection. Antibody testing is not appropriate to test patients for current infection, and should not be used to guide clinical management of a patient with suspected COVID-19 disease. There are a large number of tests which may be available that do not have any form of FDA approval though additional tests are getting approved frequently. Public Health does not recommend using tests which are not approved by the FDA. Individuals should contact their healthcare provider to assess whether antibody testing is recommended. • Tuolumne County Public Health has provided an update and clarification in regard to testing for COVID-19. View the document here: https://www.tuolumnecounty.ca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/14328/COVID-19-Testing-Update-FINAL Testing is being conducted at the discretion of health care providers in the community, based on their clinical assessment. Testing is available through the hospital, a private laboratory, or through the San Joaquin Public Health lab. Privately processed lab specimens are not required to be communicated through the Public Health Department, but our local providers are strongly encouraged to do so. Any positive test result must be reported to the Public Health Department. ➡️Community Agency Updates We would like to include relevant updates from agencies that serve the community (e.g., the Senior Center is closed but they are offering drive-through lunch pick-up). Please submit updates to PHPIO@co.tuolumne.ca.us by noon each day for your update to be included in this daily email update. • Infant Child Enrichment Services (ICES): In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Gavin Newsom signed an Executive Order that allows enrollment waivers for child care subsidies to certain populations. These waivers and child care subsidies are valid through June 30, 2020. The order prioritizes eligibility in certain categories including essential workers. Please view the website for more info: https://www.icesagency.org/news_events/headlines.html/article/2020/04/14/governor-newsom-s-executive-order-for-child-care-subsidy ▪️Twain Harte Area CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) has established a call service to provide daily phone calls with folks who would like a check-in each day. More information can be found on the Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=3235067766526215&set=a.1044824055550608 ▪️The Tuolumne Band of Me-Wuk Indians Social Services Department has provided information on resources available to their tribal community. More information is on their website: https://mewuk.com/health-safety/social-services/ ▪️Catholic Charities has updated some of their service changes. Please check their website for details: https://www.ccstockton.org/. ▪️Jamestown Family Resource Center, Tuolumne County Superintendent of Schools, and Resiliency Village are partnering to help with food distribution for those in need during this emergency. Applications can be submitted at: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf4X1kr5qnJHUiMYw7AseSp89RHbNqEtxGbXtdulU4SR8SaOg/viewform or by calling 536-2092. ▪️Amador Tuolumne Community Action Agency (ATCAA): ATCAA offices are closed to the public until further notice, though most services are still being provided. Please call 533-1397 for general information and leave a message if you would like a call back, or visit the website atcaa.org - Head Start has been closed until further notice, but are still working with families remotely. - Food Bank: Food is being distributed using social distancing methods on usual schedule and is available for pickups with our partner food pantries. Please call 984-3901 x101 for information on signing up. -PG&E and Propane assistance is fully operational with mail in, drop off and email applications being accepted. -Housing assistance is being provided by scheduled appointment. -Emergency Shelter is operating with strict social distancing, hand washing and sterilization schedules. -Weatherization and Water Conservation Services have been temporarily halted. -YES Partnership meetings are being scheduled virtually. -Prevention classes are being developed to work via teleconferencing ▪️Area 12 Agency on Aging (A12AA) has closed their office for in-person services but will continue to be available by phone during normal business hours. All HICAP appointments will be conducted by phone. ▪️Behavioral Health Services -Lambert Center – closed until further notice. -TCBH Enrichment Center – Beginning 3/27, the Enrichment Center will be open for showers and laundry only for those not housed or those with no access to a shower or laundry facility. Please visit the TCBH Facebook page more information: https://www.facebook.com/tuolumnebehavioralhealth -The 24-hour crisis phone line is: 209-533-7000 or toll free 800-630-1130 -The April EC schedule be viewed at: https://www.tuolumnecounty.ca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/14211/APRIL-2020-ECand -EC Notice at: https://www.tuolumnecounty.ca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/14212/Enrichment-Center-Notice-3-26-2020 ▪️Foothill Pregnancy Center: Some programs and services have changed. Please call 536-9262 for information. ▪️Libraries: All Tuolumne County Libraries are closed until further notice ▪️Senior Services: The Senior Center at 540 Greenley Road will be closed until further notice. The Senior Center will have meals available for pick-up only at: 540 Greenley Road in Sonora. Lunches will be made available to current Intake Congregate Clients and by reservation only. Current lunch participants who would like to reserve a lunch should call 209-533-2622 by 9 a.m. that morning. For more information or to help with efforts, visit the Sierra Senior Providers website at: http://www.sierraseniorproviders.org/ways-to-help/ - The Meals on Wheels Program is continuing service as usual. - The Sonora, Jamestown, and Groveland Congregate lunch sites have ceased on-site serving. ▪️The Sonora Area Foundation has established a Community Recovery Fund and will match donations dollar-for-dollar up to $300 to benefit local non-profit organizations, government agencies, and those doing charitable work during the COVID-19 response. For more details visit their website: https://sonora-area.org/sonora-area-foundation-news/saf-establishes-community-recovery-fund/ ▪️Information on a new Hopeline call center. Follow this link to view the infographic: https://www.tuolumnecounty.ca.gov/ImageRepository/Document?documentId=14335&fbclid=IwAR1iTb9gaU9lFcKmGHAQX4B1pQOSf2267LOJOl9tP1kWEeTGTc4EAcWmTEY ➡️Mass Gatherings ▪️The State order issued on 3/19 supersedes the County Health Officer order from 3/17/20. View: https://covid19.ca.gov/stay-home-except-for-essential-needs/?fbclid=IwAR16K1XfBpq_kuRtMJLNVZjP9VeIsoTvH5EkdOUFxLrMiIaUS7Bs54jJ4Z8 ➡️Schools • On 4/3/20, Tuolumne County Superintendent of Schools issued an updated press release on the closure of school facilities through the remainder of the school year. View information here: https://www.tcsos.us/wp-content/uploads/Final-Closure-of-School-04_03.pdf ▪️The School Districts of Tuolumne County are working with their Community Partners to help deliver meals to families of school-age students (0-18). Please visit the the TCSOS webpage to see how each district is distributing food to families here: https://www.tcsos.us/newsroom/2019-novel-coronavirus/covid-19-meal-distribution/ ▪️Columbia College campus is closed. All instruction and student support services continue and have been moved to online format. Check their website for more information: https://www.gocolumbia.edu/about/goals.php ▪️Private school closure is at school administrator discretion -Mother Lode Adventist Junior Academy has reported that they will be closed 3/18/20 through 4/12/20. ➡️Businesses ▪️COVID-19 Business Resources Tuolumne County information can be found at: https://www.tcdisasterassistance.com/ https://www.tuolumnecounty.ca.gov/1265/COVID-19-Business-Resources ▪️Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development can be found at: https://business.ca.gov/coronavirus-2019/ ▪️🍽Food, Beverage, Other Services: Bars, wineries, breweries, and pubs should be closed, except for venues that are currently authorized to provide off sale beer and wine to be consumed off premises Restaurants should be closed for in-restaurant seated dining, and should be open only to drive-through or other pick-up/delivery options o For the full guidance visit the CDPH website. • Tuolumne County Environmental Health has developed important materials related to food safety, handling, and delivery for the food service industry, and those who are assisting with food distribution during this emergency. Currently, under the State Health Officer order, restaurants are only to provide to-go, drive-through, or delivery options. Documents can be viewed at the following links: Delivery https://www.tuolumnecounty.ca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/14180/EH-Food-Delivery, Food Distribution: https://www.tuolumnecounty.ca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/14181/COVID--19- Restaurant Guidance: https://www.tuolumnecounty.ca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/14182/COVD19-Restaurant ➡️COVID-19 Guidance Highlights ▪️The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has their guidance documents available at: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Immunization/ncov2019.aspx ▪️The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has information and guidance available at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html ▪️New guidance on community masking was issued by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). It is important for everyone to understand that this is not an ‘order’ to wear a mask and it DOES NOT replace the importance of staying home, social distancing, and hand washing as the most effective means of protection against COVID-19. View local guidance and information at: https://www.tuolumnecounty.ca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/14210/Mask-Guidance-for-Residents-4220 ➡️What You Can Do: Practice everyday prevention actions to stay healthy: ✔️Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds, or with hand sanitizer of soap is not available ✔️Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth ✔️If you are ill, stay home. If other family members are ill, including children, keep them home. ✔️Practice social distancing: put more space between yourself and others. About 6 feet is good, if you can ✔️Avoid contact with people who are sick ✔️Clean frequently touched surfaces and objects often with soap and water or household cleaners. Don’t forget your cell phone To learn about COVID-19 symptoms, visit the CDC Symptoms website at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html If someone in your household has tested positive for COVID-19, keep the entire household at home. Do not go to work. Do not go to school. Contact your medical provider. If you have symptoms or get sick🤒: ✔️Stay home, unless you need to seek medical care ✔️Stay away from other people, pets, and animals. As much as possible, you should stay in a specific room and use a separate bathroom if available. ✔️Call ahead before visiting your doctor, clinic, or hospital ✔️Wear a face mask to avoid spreading germs ✔️Cover your cough with a tissue and immediately throw it in the trash, or cough into your bent elbow. Wash your hands after using a tissue. ✔️Wash your hands often and avoid sharing personal item 🔸Thank you all for your support and efforts to protect the safety and health of our community🔸