About Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19)

What is COVID-19:

COVID-19 is a virus that can cause respiratory symptoms similar to seasonal flu, such as fever, cough and shortness of breath. Some people have no symptoms. According to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), while COVID-19 has a high transmission rate, it has a low mortality rate. There are several types of coronavirus; COVID-19 is only one (recently identified) type. Most people who become ill from coronaviruses that circulate in the U.S. recover on their own. Some people, particularly those with underlying health problems, the elderly or those with severe symptoms, may require more intensive medical care.

How to Protect Yourself:

The best ways to protect yourself and others from any virus, including seasonal flu and coronaviruses, are:

Wash your hands frequently with soap and water
Stay home from work or school if you're sick
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve when you cough or sneeze
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using regular household cleaning spray or wipes
If you have mild symptoms, you may not need to go to a medical facility to see a doctor
If you're sick enough to seek medical care and think you have any respiratory illness, including COVID-19, it's important to call the medical facility before arriving and follow directives to avoid exposing others
Primary care doctors are the point of contact for COVID-19 testing. Your doctor will make the decision about whether to test. It's important to remember that not every person with symptoms needs to be tested.
If you work in an office, you can post this flyer (English / Spanish) as a good prevention reminder for everyone

What is El Dorado County Doing for its Residents:

As a result of an increase in COVID-19 cases and the coming of vaccines to combat the virus, the Sheriff's Office reactivated the Emergency Operations Center in november 2020 after having been closed to this incident in June 2020. This allowed for all pertinent disciplines associated with planning, logistics, operations, and communications about the pandemic to operate under one command.

Most recently, the Board of Supervisors sent a letter to Governor Newsom urging his Adminisration to supply El Dorado County with additional vaccine to meet the need and demand of our senior population. Please see the letter here: Ltr to Gov Newsom re vaccines for seniors.pdf

Since February 2020, El Dorado County Public Health and agency partners have actively monitored reports about COVID-19, and taken steps to respond if a case is identified in the county. Public Health and partners participate in statewide conference calls, receiving updates and guidance from CDPH; share guidance with healthcare providers, other County agencies and organizations; review emergency preparedness plans; and share resources. Agency partners are also coordinating with CDPH and neighboring counties, and participating in regional meetings to ensure a coordinated response.

Local partners include the El Dorado County Health and Human Services Agency, Office of Emergency Services, Emergency Preparedness and Response, local hospitals and health care facilities, schools and others.

We've established a Community Working Groups to address and provide resources for various segments of our County. Those can be found on the Community Resources and Workgroups here: https://www.edcgov.us/Government/hhsa/Pages/EDCCOVID-19-Community-Partner.aspx

In light of Gov. Newsom's directive to temporarily house the most vulnerable homeless community members, the Board of Supervisors on April 2nd approved a three-phase plan to help keep all residents and especially the unhoused healthy and safe. See the FAQ COVID19 Fact Sheet re housing homeless and other at-risk populations.pdf

Testing:

Primary care doctors are the point of contact for COVID-19 testing. Testing for COVID-19 is being done and is available in El Dorado County, but individuals must meet the Federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) criteria in order to be tested.

One State-sponsored community sites for COVID-19 testing for any resident wanting to be tested for the virus.

One is located at Lake Tahoe Community College. It is free and open to anyone who wants to be tested, whether or not one is symptomatic or has insurance, with an appointment. See the Get A Test tab for more information here: https://www.edcgov.us/Government/hhsa/Pages/EDCCOVID-19-Get-A-Test.aspx

Although the risk of transmission remains low for the general public, notify your healthcare provider if you have one of the following risk factors:

Recent travel to mainland China, Italy, Iran, Japan and South Korea (within the last 14 days) and having respiratory symptoms
Close contact with a person confirmed through a laboratory test to have COVID-19

Local healthcare providers are following CDPH and CDC guidance about how to assess individuals, and when it's appropriate to conduct a COVID-19 test.

Contact Tracing:

Contact tracing is a tool used to connect with the people a positive-tested person has been in close contact with and informing those individuals they may have been exposed to COVID-19 and advise them get tested or take other precautionary measures. See the FAQ: COVID19 Fact Sheet on Contact Tracing

Face Coverings:

The State of California mandates the use of face coverings in indoor settings, with some medical exemptions. Please see the guidelines here. If you are an indoor business, please see the flyer you can post at your establishment. Face Covering business flyer

To Report a Complaint about a Noncompliant Business

Please see the flyer to determine where to direct your complaint and download a copy here: COVID19 mask complaint flyer COVID19 mask complaint flyer2.JPG

Managing Anxiety and Stress:

Everyone reacts differently to stressful situations. Some people may be fearful or anxious about COVID-19. Taking care of yourself, your friends and family can help you cope. Helping others cope with their stress can also make your community stronger. These things can help you support yourself:

Take breaks from watching, reading or listening to news stories, including social media. Repeatedly hearing about COVID-19 can be upsetting.
Take care of your body. Take deep breaths, stretch, meditate. Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep and avoid alcohol and drugs.
Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy.
Connect with others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.
Call your healthcare provider if stress gets in the way of your daily activities for several days in a row

For additional self-care tips, visit the CDC's website

COVID-19 and Pets/Animals

The virus can also affect animals. See more information from the CDC about Pets, Animals and Service & Therapy animals.