Nevada County has seen a dramatic surge in COVID-19 cases, the majority of which are the new Delta variant, which is twice as contagious as the original COVID strain. In fact, the week of August 2, Nevada County saw its highest weekly count of new cases for the entire pandemic. Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital reports a substantial increase in COVID-19 patients coming to the hospital. Most of those who are admitted to the hospital due to COVID-19 are unvaccinated. This has prompted the Nevada County Public Health Department to issue a mandate requiring facial coverings in indoor settings, even if you are vaccinated. On August 25, Public Health issued an amended mandate that also requires face coverings outdoors in crowded settings and prohibits indoor and outdoor gatherings or events where 2,500 or more people will be in attendance, until further notice. Read the amended mandate here.
Over 108,000 total shots have been administered here in Nevada County – that’s 28,000 more since my last newsletter went out three months ago. But that’s only about 59% of Nevada County residents 18 and older. We can do better. Anyone 12 years old and older can get the vaccine. To find a COVID-19 vaccine appointment that works for you, go to MyTurn.ca.gov or call 1-833-422-4255. Additionally, business owners can request onsite or offsite COVID-19 vaccinations for their staff. Our Public Health REACH Team will come to your location or coordinate a group appointment at a Public Health clinic. Complete our COVID Vaccine Business Inquiry Form to get started.
Until we’ve gotten past this surge in cases, please return to wearing a mask indoors and get vaccinated. Right now we need to protect the children under 12 who cannot yet get vaccinated. I think we all want to leave this pandemic far behind as quickly as possible.