Nevada City, CA June 2, 2020 – Nevada County received notification of six new COVID-19 cases today; five of the residents are closely connected with a common exposure, and the sixth was a person who had no symptoms. All are adults residing in Eastern Nevada County. All have been notified and are isolating. In addition, household contacts are in quarantine. The case investigation was initiated by Nevada County Public Health Department today and remains open. Case investigation and contact tracing are core public health functions used to connect with people who are COVID-19 positive so that we can help them get medical care and figure out who they might have exposed without knowing it, so those individuals can be contacted, too.

“Although our hospitals are prepared for a surge in COVID-19 cases, we have case investigation and contact tracing process systems in place and more testing available, COVID-19 remains a risk to our community,” said Public Health Director Jill Blake. “Those who are more at risk for serious illness due to COVID-19 such as the elderly or those with underlying health conditions should continue to stay at home as much as they can as well as limit their exposure to others.”

Testing Available to All Nevada County Residents

Two OptumServe testing sites are available in Grass Valley and Kings Beach. Symptomatic or asymptomatic can be tested. People who get tested at these sites will not be charged for the test; for those with insurance, your insurance will be billed, and for those with no insurance, the State will pay for your test. Increased testing allows for a better understanding of COVID-19 in our community. Even without symptoms, testing of all individuals can help identify those who are asymptomatic and may want to take extra precautions to protect others in the community.

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. Tests can also still be conducted by doctors’ offices too, but you do not need your physician’s approval to be tested at the OptumServe site.