November 4, 2020 – For the next six days, Nevada County will remain in the “orange” tier of the state’s county risk level system for COVID-19. The “Moderate” risk level allows for some indoor operations, with modifications. Plumas County today reverted back into the orange tier after weeks of minimal restrictions. Yuba and Sutter counties remain firmly in the red tier.

Recent increases in cases in Nevada County presage a possible reclassification into the more restrictive red tier. “Although we remain in the Orange Tier this week, we are seeing many of our neighboring counties go backwards in the tier system and are seeing the case rates in Nevada County trend in the same direction. The State’s tier data represents a seven-day lag; however, we saw a dramatic increase of twenty-three new cases this Monday,” said Interim Public Health Officer Dr. Richard Johnson. “We continue to urge everyone to stay diligent about refraining from gatherings with friends and family as well as going into the office if you are feeling sick. Most of our recent COVID-19 cases are from people letting their guard down; participating in social gatherings without masking or distancing, traveling out of the area where transmission rates are higher, and going into work while carrying COVID-19 and transmitting it throughout the workplace.”

On Tuesday, eight new cases were reported, bringing the county’s total to 672.

Currently, the county is offering local small business owners, with 25 employees or less, masks and hand sanitizer at no cost. The free PPE is available to businesses who request it online at: www.MyNevadaCounty.com/PPE.

Two OptumServe testing sites are available in Grass Valley and the Town of Truckee. Symptomatic or asymptomatic can be tested. Insured, underinsured, and uninsured are welcome. If an individual has medical insurance, OptumServe will bill the patient’s medical insurance company. Uninsured individuals may also use the community test site, and their tests will be paid for by the state.

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 the Town of Truckee and in Grass Valley.