National, State and Local Emergencies have been declared.
IMPORTANT : 7/3/2020 : we are sad to announce the first death due to Covid19 in Lake County. Please wear your face coverings.
Dr Gary Pace reports :
Lake County, CA (July 3, 2020) – The COVID-19 pandemic has brought sudden and life-changing loss to many thousands of Californians. Each of the more than 6,000 deaths unsettled the worlds of friends, family members and neighbors.
It is my solemn responsibility to report the first COVID-19-related death in Lake County. The exact circumstances are still being investigated, but this person became ill at home, was transported by ambulance, and died in the Emergency Department; they later tested positive for COVID-19. Our sincere condolences go out to family and friends in this deeply sad situation.
COVID-19 infections continue to rise in Lake County. As of this morning, we have confirmed a total of 86 cases, with 39 considered active. 4 are currently hospitalized, with 2 in-County. The other 2 have been transferred to a higher level of care out of county, and 1 of those is now considered COVID-free, but remains under hospital care.
Investigation into the outbreak in the farmworker community remains ongoing, and we are grateful both workers and employers have been highly responsible and cooperative in managing this challenging situation. All of those infected are on home isolation, and cooperating with Public Health.
Several other cases have been identified from various sources. Many of them have been traced to known cases; either household members or cases from out of the county.
A handful of the recent cases, though, have no identifiable source. Community transmission is presumed.
6/12/2002 : Lake County has largely lifted restrictions on businesses, including schools, bars, restaurants, hotels and casinos. (Provided they follow specific guidelines. At present only nail salons, tattoo parlors etc are awaiting guidelines.)
Face Coverings (masks) are required "everywhere" where you can't maintain 6 feet of social distance.California Guideline for Face Coverings
Lake County Public Health Officer Press Release 6/12/2020
California Guidelines
Station policy
The station is operating on limited hours, with only one Board Operator (BO) in the studio, and any hosts calling in.
The full statement is here
Important Official Links
Note : web sites are changing the pages about COVID-19 often, so we are just giving the top-level address.
Lake County
Lake County, California Coronavirus Response Hub.
Lake County Health Dept -- Coronavirus Public Notices
(The offical Covid-19 information line is 707-263-8174 - Monday-Friday 8am-5pm : email mhoac@lakecounty.ca.gov)
Lake County Sheriff
The Lake County Superior Courts has also announced closures. Only urgent business will be conducted. Jurors will be re-called later. Restraining orders will be extended automatically.
- City of Clearlake
Public access to the City Hall Lobby and the Poilce Department is closed. Call for details.
- City of Lakeport
Public access to City Hall and the Police Department is closed. Call for details.
Lakeport has opened its Emergency Operations Center (EOC) telephone line at (707) 263-5683. (Mon-Thurs)
California Governor's Office
CDC (Centers for Disease Control)
WHO (World Health Organization)
US Representative John Garamondi has a page of useful information
From the CA Dep of Public Health (3/13/20) :
How can people protect themselves?
There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19. The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet). This occurs through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person breaths, talks, coughs or sneezes. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the nose and lungs. Older adults and people who have severe underlying chronic medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19 illness. Every person has a role to play. So much of protecting yourself and your family comes down to common sense:
- Washing hands with soap and water for 20 seconds.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. If surfaces are dirty, clean them using detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.
- Avoiding touching eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
- Wear a Face Covering in stores, and when you are closer than 6 feet to another.
- Avoiding close contact with people who are sick.
- Staying away from work, school or other people if you become sick with respiratory symptoms like fever and cough, or a sudden loss of smell.
- Following guidance from public health officials.
Please consult with your health care provider about additional steps you may be able to take to protect yourself.
How to Protect Yourself
Unofficial but reputable sites
New York Times: Charts and Maps down to the county level
San Jose Mercury News : Map of cases by county (updated daily)
Washington University : Cases and Hospital Capacity for USA and State (Right now California has the capacity, New York does not)
ncov19.live : Cases worldwide, with USA by state This site was created by Avi Schiffmann, a high schooler in Washington State, USA. (Updated continuously with data from official sources)
For the technically inclined, very good graphs (international and US states)
