Stanislaus County is at risk of moving back to the more restrictive Purple (Widespread) Tier next week on the State’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy. The county has a small window of opportunity to take the actions needed to stay in Tier 2. Stanislaus County Public Health reminds residents to get tested and help stop the spread by avoiding gatherings and following all safety precautions.
“It took a tremendous communitywide effort for us to move into the red tier,” said Dr. Julie Vaishampayan, Stanislaus County Public Health Officer. “We want to stay there. We encourage everyone to do their part to help us in slowing the spread by getting tested, continuing to follow the safety measures of keeping a six-foot distance, wearing a face covering, washing hands frequently, and gathering safely with no more than two other households, especially during this holiday season.”
While the positivity rate is within the orange tier range, this week’s case rate – cases per 100,000 people – is within the purple tier. In order to stay in the red tier, the case rates need to be below seven cases per 100,000 residents.
If Stanislaus County moves into the purple tier next week, the county will be required to remain in the purple tier for at least three weeks and meet the red tier metrics for two consecutive weeks before returning to the red tier. This means many small businesses and restaurants would remain closed during the week of Thanksgiving. Schools that have already opened for in-person instruction may stay open.
Public Health encourages all residents to take a PCR swab test. Testing helps identify people who are infected with COVID-19 which allows them to stop the spread to their family, friends, coworkers, and community. Anyone, with or without symptoms can take a free PCR swab test from a county or state-run site. The best ways for residents to protect themselves and those around them is by continuing to wear face coverings, giving a safe space of six feet to others, washing hands frequently with soap and water, and gathering safely by following California Department of Public Health Guidance for Private Gatherings.
To address the rising number of cases, Stanislaus County Public Health has increased mobile testing to bring pop up testing sites closer to the community. Testing locations can be found at http://www.schsa.org/corona-virus/testing/. This would improve access within specific workplaces and areas. Additionally, the county continues to provide education and outreach through collaboration with community-based and faith-based organizations that serve hard-to-reach communities.
Stanislaus County Public Health continues to work closely with all community partners and the Emergency Operations Center to address the COVID-19 pandemic through guidance provided by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the California Department of Public Health, and other partners.
