Lassen County’s Public Health Department is reporting the county’s second COVID-19 related death today, as the county’s total number of infections nears 100.
According to the Health Department’s morning update there are 98 active COVID-19 cases in the county, two people have died and one person is currently hospitalized.
On November 3rd, just two weeks ago, the county’s COVID-19 count was at only 14 cases.
Active Cases Spike at High Desert State Prison
As of 10:45 this morning the California Department of Corrections is reporting 294 infections among the inmate population at High Desert and one confirmed case at CCC.
On November 3rd the State was reporting that there was only one infection at HDSP, by the 8th the number had exploded to 166. Currently there are 294 inmates who have tested positive.
No reason for the spike has been given by the CDCR.
HDSP is reporting that 41 staff members have tested positive, and five staff members at CCC have contracted the illness. These numbers are reflected in the local COVID count.
According to the California Department of Public Health it’s now required that people in California must wear a mask or face covering when they are outside of the home.
How masks help stop the spread
Coronavirus spreads when an infected person coughs, sneezes, sings, talks, or breathes within 6 feet of others. You may have the virus and spread it even if you feel well.
To prevent infection, you must cover your nose and mouth when outside your home. Wearing a mask is now required statewide. It can slow the spread of COVID-19 by limiting the release of virus into the air. Cloth masks or face coverings can reduce your exposure to infectious droplets through filtration. It also reinforces physical distancing, and shows you care about the health of others.
Mask wearing exemptions
Individuals are exempt from wearing masks in the following specific settings:
- People in a car alone or solely with members of their own household.
- People who are working in an office or in a room alone.
- People who are actively eating or drinking. They should maintain a distance of at least six feet from those not in their household.
- People who are outdoors and maintaining at least 6 feet of social distance from others not in their household. They must have a face covering with them at all times and must put it on if they are within 6 feet of others who are not in their household.
- People who are obtaining a service involving the nose or face for which temporary removal of the face covering is necessary.
- Workers who are required to wear respiratory protection.
- People who are specifically exempted from wearing face coverings by [other CDPH guidance].
Some are exempt from wearing face coverings at all times:
- Children younger than two years old. These very young children must not wear a face covering because of the risk of suffocation.
- People with a medical condition, mental health condition, or disability that prevents wearing a face covering. This includes those with rare medical conditions for whom wearing a face covering could obstruct breathing or who are unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove a face covering without assistance.
- People who are hearing impaired, or communicating with a person who is hearing impaired. In these cases, the ability to see the mouth is essential for communication.
- People for whom wearing a face covering would create a risk to the person related to their work, as determined by local, state, or federal regulators or workplace safety guidelines.
Read the official mask guidance from the California Department of Public Health.
The following simple steps can reduce or prevent the spread of any respiratory illness, including COVID-19:
- Wash your hands with liquid soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or if you do not have soap you can use alcohol-based sanitizer of at least 60% alcohol;
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve when coughing or sneezing, do not use your hands;
- Stay home if you are feeling sick;
- Regularly clean surfaces touched frequently by people
- Practice social distancing recommendations by the CDC, such as reducing your interactions in large groups or crowds and unnecessary trips into the public
Symptoms of COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) range from mild symptoms to severe illness and they may appear 2-14 days after exposure. Symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, sudden loss of taste or smell. Residents 65 years or older and individuals with underlying medical conditions are particularly vulnerable to contracting the virus.
If you feel like you or someone you care for is exhibiting symptoms, please call the Call Center at Public Health 530-251-8100.
