September 4, 2020 – With Labor Day coming up, Nevada County Public Health reminds residents to stay COVID safe while enjoying their holiday weekend. Please remember to maintaining physical distance from those outside your household, wear a mask when you are not able to maintain a physical distance from others in groups or crowds, wash your hands frequently and get tested for COVID-19 regularly whether you are symptomatic or asymptomatic.
“COVID does not take a holiday,” said Interim Public Health Office Dr. Johnson. “The surges of cases following the Memorial Day and July 4th holidays shows how important it is for all of us to mask and practice social distancing and limit gatherings to keep this from happening again. If we do so, we will be taking a big step toward loosening the restrictions on our businesses and communities.”
Nevada County on the Cusp of State’s Orange Tier 3
Currently, Nevada County’s Tier Ranking is in the red Tier 2 or “Substantial” Category, but Nevada County is on the cusp of the orange Tier 3 or “Moderate” Category which would allow businesses to safely increase the capacity in facilities and lessen the COVID-19 modifications for businesses.
All members of the community are encouraged to consider how personal behavior can help move Nevada County to the next tier ranking, especially over the holiday weekend. Individual action will lead to collective mitigation that will shift the county’s tier status and our collective behavior this weekend matters. Wearing a mask, maintaining physical distance, washing your hands and getting tested can help move Nevada County from Tier 2 to Tier 3 and support decreased modifications to business operations.
Heat Watch this Weekend
National Weather Service Sacramento has issued an Excessive Heat Watch for western Nevada County beginning Saturday, September 5th through Tuesday, September 8th. With high temperatures with minimal overnight recovery predicted, residents are encouraged to drink extra water; avoid outdoor activities during the heat of the day from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; help the elderly, kids and pets stay cool, and plan to be in air conditioned buildings if possible.
County staff continues to monitor the high temperatures and the need to open Cooling Centers during the event with COVID precautions in place. If Cooling Centers are opened, residents can find information on www.ReadyNevadaCounty.org.
Get Tested for COVID-19
Getting tested is an important way to help us better understand the disease burden in our community and helps prevent disease transmission, protecting those most vulnerable to COVID-19. It should also be noted that increased testing has a positive impact on our Case Rate due to an adjustment factor that is applied if our testing is better than the state average. Additionally, if fewer people get tested it means that a higher proportion of those being tested are symptomatic, thus driving up our positivity rate. Getting tested is one way to keep Nevada County moving forward through the Tiers.
Test sites have reduced turnaround times, a new testing method that only swabs the bottom of your nostrils and many sites are currently offering same day appointments. Please remember to get tested and if you are diagnosed with or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 and cooperate with our Public Health Contract Tracing team. It is importance to pick up the call or call back when you get contacted by someone from Nevada County Public Health. They will help educate and walk you through the isolation (diagnosed with COVID-19) or quarantine (close contact of someone with COVID-19) process to limit the transmission of COVID-19 in our community.
Two OptumServe testing sites are available in Grass Valley and Truckee. Symptomatic or asymptomatic can be tested. Insured, underinsured, and uninsured are welcome. You must pre-register and schedule an appointment at https://www.lhi.care/covidtesting or call 888-634-1123. Please have your appointment authorization number when you arrive at the testing site. Appointments are available Monday-Friday, 7:00am to 7:00pm in Truckee and in Grass Valley.
Additional Resources
Find more information about COVID-19 in Nevada County at www.mynevadacounty.com/coronavirus. Email questions about the State’s COVID-19 business sector guidance to covid19recovery@co.nevada.ca.us. To submit a business compliance complaint, visit www.mynevadacounty.com/asknevco or submit via the Ask Nevada County app.