County Public Health received notification of a fourth positive COVID- 19 test result for a resident of Sierra County. The person is a household contact of the third case and symptomatic. The individual is isolating at home and the household is quarantining, per direction of the Public Health COVID-19 Response Team. All close contacts of this case have been notified. A close contact is defined by the CDC as having been within 6 feet for more than 15 minutes, within 2 days prior to testing or symptom onset.
Even though we have not demonstrated the presence of community spread in Sierra County, we believe we are all at some risk, as community transmission has been demonstrated in many of our surrounding jurisdictions where we live, work, and shop. Our vulnerability is especially high because of the limited resources we have in Sierra County, including gasoline, groceries, tourist- based economy, limited healthcare facilities, and lack of pharmacy.
As you are aware, cases of COVID-19 have been increasing around the state, nation, and world. This is not a time to let down our guard!
Every person has a role to play in limiting the spread of COVID-19:
Practice physical distancing of 6 feet from others.
Wash your hands with soap and water after you have been in a public place.
Wear a face covering when in a local business or unable to maintain 6 feet distance.
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we stand together to beat this disease.
Celia Sutton-Pado, MD Public Health Officer Sierra County
