Health Officer Dr. Celia Sutton-Pado would like to remind seasonal and second homeowners in Sierra County of the importance of everybody sheltering in place, and why now is not the best time to stay at your Sierra County home if you have another primary residence.
In these unprecedented times, we are being asked to change everything in our everyday lives – from how we work, to how our kids learn, to how to shop. It is challenging, and imperative we heed the call to stay at home except for essential needs. We need to stand united in our fight against our common enemy: COVID-19.
There are multiple confirmed cases of COVID-19 in all but one of the Counties bordering Sierra County. The impression Sierra County is a “Safe Haven” from virus transmission is false. The west side of Sierra County does not have public gas. Our grocery stores are struggling to keep inventory of basic supplies. Residents are required to travel out of County to have essential needs met.
Please recognize the small frontier communities of Sierra County lack medical resources and are not equipped to address numbers of persons with advanced medical needs.
- No hospital
- No pharmacy
- Extremely limited clinical services on some weekdays only
- Majority of emergency medical personnel are volunteers
- All advanced medical care requires transport out of the area
Sierra County has already taken steps to limit the number of visitors for leisure purposes at this time by prohibiting the operation of short-term rentals. We strongly encourage individuals to familiarize themselves with the Governors Executive Order, intended to slow the spread of COVID-19. Maintain 6 feet. Use face coverings to protect others from you, while still maintaining 6 feet of distance from others. For questions and information about COVID-19 related efforts in Sierra County check the website or email COVID19@sierracounty.ca.gov ###
