Friday Update with Mendocino County Public Health Officer Dr. Andy Coren

Mendocino County Numbers for 12-4-20Total cases: 1671New cases: 39Active cases: approx. 264Pending Tests: 1580+4.2% positivity rate22 per 100,000Deaths: 23Mendocino Covid-19 Call Center: 707-472-2759Testing:Optumserv: Ukiah at the fairgrounds 7am to 7pm, seven days a week. Walk ins OK. Free. Website: https://lhi.care/covidtestingFort Bragg Mobile OptumServ Testing: 12/8 at the Vets Hall, time TBDSouth Coast Testing: December 11, time and place TBD, check www.mendocinocounty.org/covidCallCan we get more regulation at post offices to help avoid crowding amid the holiday rush? Why is there not sufficient outbreak testing on the coast? The county cannot control regulations on post offices because it is federal property. If you see someone not cooperating with COVID safety guidelines, you can call  (707) 472-2759 for help. The county goes to the specific sites that host the outbreak for testing. The main difference between Opstumserv and outbreak testing is that optumserv will alert you of your results regardless of whether you're negative or positive and outbreak testing only gets back to you if you test positive. We are currently transitioning for Optumserv to be open seven days a week.Is it true that once our ICU falls below 15% availability that we will go into the state sanctioned shut down? Yes, once we fall below 15% availability we will have two days to transition to the shut down. Mendocino County in included with several other counties in a region that will be monitored as a whole for this 15% threshold.If you’ve already had COVID and have the antibodies, do you still need to get the vaccine? If someone is experiencing the long term effects of COVID, how should they handle them medically? Everybody should get the vaccine whether they’ve had COVID or not. You could possibly ask your primary care provider for an antibody test to see if you had COVID at some point if you’re experiencing long term effects of COVID.Are there any specific COVID guidelines that have been put out for at home health care aids? Wearing a mask is a basic guideline. CDPH.ca.gov has more information on guidelines for at home health care workers.What does it mean for us to have mobile non-symptom testing in the south coast area? This testing will take place on December 11; the place and time has not yet been decided . When the details are confirmed, they will be released to several different media platforms, not just online.How would you respond to a friend saying that trying to stop COVID with a mask is like trying to stop a mosquito with a chain link fence? There has been thorough research proving that masks reduce the spread of COVID. Universal mask wearing success in hospitals is a good example.