KZYX Local Coronavirus Update with Dr. Drew Colfax: Recent Episodes
KZYX
From KZYX Mendocino County Public Broadcasting: Join Ukiah ER physician Dr. Drew Colfax every 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month for the latest local coronavirus numbers, insights about Mendocino county’s ongoing response, and reliable information about keeping yourself and the community safe during the pandemic. Alternates with Mind/Body Health with Dr. Marvin Trotter.
April 19, 2022--Dr. Drew Colfax gives the latest update on Covid-19 in Mendocino County. Since the last show, BA2 has driven an increase in new infections. Dr. Colfax tries to bring some clarity to the mixed messages about masking, and the decision to get second boosters.
April 5, 2022--With numbers looking good, and folks rediscovering "normal", Dr. Drew Colfax reminds people to maintain heighten vigilance after potential exposures, keep a low threshold to get tested, and consider therapeutics.
March 29, 2022--At last, Mendocino County's infection rate for Covid-19 is down to 5 per 100k, and this week saw a day at the Ukiah hospital with NO coronavirus cases. Despite the good news, the BA2 Variant is on the horizon, and Dr. Colfax advises listeners to keep up the common-sense covid protections like masking and testing. Treatments are increasingly available that contribute to the risk/benefit analysis for activities. With a discussion of Long Covid and a critical editorial at the end from a listener about Dr. Colfax's use of colorful language to describe anti-vaxers.
March 1, 2022--Dr Drew Colfax returns with better news about the Omicron surge, which has receded locally enough that hospitals have beds again.
February 15, 2022--Hospitalization number are still high, but the Omicron surge is receding in Mendocino County, albeit somewhat slower than in other regions. Dr. Drew Colfax returns for the latest update and listener questions.
February 1, 2022--Dr. Drew Colfax gives the latest on the Omicron surge for Mendocino County, looking forward to a normal spring as the wave of infections recedes over the next few weeks.
January 18, 2022--Dr. Colfax reports from the front lines of Mendocino County's health care system. Although case numbers are through the roof, local capacity to care for patients seems to be holding steady. He's optimistic that we will get through the Omicron surge, just barely. With listener questions.
January 11, 2022--Dr. Colfax returns to KZYX for a Special Special Edition of the Local Coronavirus Update about the Omicron Surge. The ferociously contagious variant is slamming Mendocino County, with hundreds of new cases this week and four additional deaths, but so far the hospitals are faring relatively well. With listener calls and the latest skyrocketing numbers.
January 4, 2022--Dr Drew Colfax returns to KZYX with the latest on how the Omicron surge is affecting local hospitals, and his hope that the contagious variant could expand immunity across our population and eventually help ease the pandemic. With questions from callers.
December 28, 2021--The last Coronavirus Update of 2021 brings tidings of omicron and a difficult month ahead as the tsunami of infections from the latest variant hits our communities.
December 14, 2021--Dr. Drew Colfax brings sobering news about the Omicron surge on the horizon for January, and fields a number of calls from covid skeptics. All this and more on this week's Local Coronavirus Update, from KZYX and Z in Mendocino County, California.
November 30, 2021--Dr. Drew Colfax talks Omicron, travel bans, vaccine sequellae, and more. With listener calls.
November 23, 2021--Dr. Drew Colfax returns to KZYX with the latest about the new oral anti-viral treatments for Covid making their way through the FDA approval process, why Mendocino County's positivity rates remain higher than neighboring counties, and best practices to avoid spreading Covid on Thanksgiving. With Alicia Bales.
November 9, 2021--Local ER Physician Dr. Drew Colfax returns to KZYX to discuss the latest pandemic news, run the numbers, and answer listeners' questions.
October 26, 2021--Dr. Drew Colfax returns to KZYX at his new time, Tuesday morning at 9am, with the latest on boosters, vaccinating children, plateauing case rates, and answers to listeners' questions.
October 18, 2021--Dr. Colfax returns for an especially lively show, with the latest local Covid numbers and live call-ins.
October 11, 2021--Big News from the ER, Dr. Colfax didn't diagnose a single case of Covid-19 this week! It was the pledge drive at KZYX, but this podcast episode has all the fundraising banter removed, leaving just the uninterrupted coronavirus news and Q & A. Hearty thanks to everyone who called in to support the show!
October 8, 2021--Dr. Andy Coren, Mendocino County Public Health Officer, gives his bi-weekly briefing on the Covid-19 Pandemic.
October 4, 2021--Dr. Drew Colfax returns with some good news about covid rates on the decline, and the latest on treatment options for people sick with the virus. And of course a lively collection of calls from listeners.
September 27, 2021--Dr. Colfax calls in from the road, clearing up confusion about boosters in this mini-update.
September 24, 2021--Mendocino County Public Health Officer Dr. Andy Coren gives the county's weekly Covid-19 briefing and answers questions from local journalists.
September 20, 2021--Dr. Drew Colfax returns with the dismal news that the Delta Variant is still hitting Mendocino County very hard, with some of the highest local numbers of hospitalizations yet during the pandemic.
September 13, 2021--Dr. Drew Colfax makes his opinion clear about the Public Health Officer's U-turn away from a vaccine mandate policy for local businesses. As seen in the Ukiah Daily Journal.....
Slides of the Presentation are available here: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/15HU2O6qjwOsWiLk4P9QwzwKb1tWa4t1w/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=117390375921992776796&rtpof=true&sd=true
September 6, 2021-Dr. Drew Colfax spends an hour on Labor Day talking about Covid and answering listeners' questions, then heads of to work the holiday night shift at the ER.
Augusts 30, 2021--Delta variant cases are still at historically high levels here in Mendocino County, filling hospital beds and ICUs and leading to higher death rates than we've seen so far during the pandemic. Dr. Colfax signed a letter this week, along with over 60 other local healthcare providers, asking County residents to get vaccinated to stem the tide of new coronavirus cases threatening to overwhelm our hospitals and clinics.
You can read it here:
Dear Mendocino County Community,
We are a group of doctors and medical providers living and working in Mendocino County. We need your help. Like all of you, we are heartbroken at the number of lives and livelihoods the COVID-19 pandemic has taken. COVID-19 has proven difficult to control, and this pandemic feels unrelenting to all of us, as healthcare providers and as members of the community.
We work in the emergency departments at Ukiah Valley, Howard Memorial and Mendocino Coast Hospitals, in the inpatient units, the intensive care units, and the clinics in the community. Every day, we take care of more and more patients who are sick with COVID-19. The great majority of hospitalized patients are unvaccinated. Our emergency departments are overflowing. Our hospitals are full. Our ICUs are full. We struggle to find hospital beds even for the patients who are coming to the emergency department with strokes, heart attacks, or appendicitis. When patients need services that our hospitals cannot provide, we struggle to transfer them, and have become used to hearing the phrase “there are no hospital beds in all of Northern California.” We repeat this sentence to our patients, to their worried family members. Never before have we seen such a surge of sick, young patients with COVID-19, and never before has our medical system faced such a challenge. We can all do our part in this dire situation by getting vaccinated.
We will keep coming to work every day and taking care of everyone who walks through our doors -- taking care of those in need is what we do and we can’t imagine working anywhere else. But we need your help to prevent hospitalizations and deaths.
Rumors and misinformation are circulating about the vaccine. Please talk with us, or your primary care provider, about the COVID-19 vaccine. The data and the science are clear: the vaccine is safe and highly effective in preventing severe COVID-19 illness and COVID-related deaths. We are vaccinated. Getting vaccinated will not only protect you, but will also keep your loved ones and your community safe and out of the hospital.
If you would like to get vaccinated for FREE, please visit: https://www.mendocinocounty.org/community/novel-coronavirus/covid-19-vaccinations/vaccination-clinics
Erica Valdovinos, MD Georgina Calderon, MD MPH J. Drew Colfax, MD JD Mike Hausberger, DO Martha Montgomery, MD MS Gigi Lee, MD Carolyn Boley, NP Debbie Marks, MD Gary Fausone, MD Jennifer Zernec, DO Katie Hatch, MD Jorge A Allende, MD Lisa Gamble, PA-C Mark Luoto, MD Duncan Johnston, MD Tod Imperato, FNP Jodi Parungao, MD Brian Gould, DO Hayley Rousek, MD Charles Baugh, MD Gerry V. Lazzareschi, MD Angela Mapanao, DO Gretchen Duran, PA Noah Chutz, PA-C Marvin Trotter, MD Mary Newkirk, MD Sara Martin, MD Brandon Begley, DO Cindy Novella, FNP Barry Sheppard, MD James Dolan, MD Chloe Nicolaisen, MD John Rochat MD Meghan McCurry, DO Elaine Yang, MD Timothy Burger, MD Andrea McCullough MD E. Xavier Ortiz, MD Michael Mian, MD Cameron MacInnis, MD Cara Eberhardt, MD Mark Apfel, MD Casey Johnston, MD David Streeter, MD Robin Serrahn, MD Kirsten Q. Juliet, MD Anne Martin-Ko, MD Ilan Kolkowitz, MD Paul Hupp, PA-C Linda K James, MD Sharon Paltin, MD Snehal Raisoni, MD Hengbing Wang, MD Lawrence Goldyn, MD Elizabeth Whipkey-Olson, DO Angus Matheson, MD D. Mills Matheson, MD Ziad Hanna, DO Zoe Berna, MD Scott Gherini, MD Jason Ullyott, PA John Lee, MD Marisa Zuluaga, MD Faith Simon, FNP Jeremy Clay, MD MPH Cynthia Mockel, FNP Scott Loeliger, MD, MS
August, 27, 2021--Dr. Andy Coren gives Mendocino County's weekly Public Health briefing on the Coronavirus Pandemic. Currently hospitals in the county are more full than they have ever been throughout the pandemic, and deaths continue to go up. This week Mendocino County saw its first death from a younger person with no comorbidities, causing worry among healthcare providers. The vast majority of new covid cases are among unvaccinated people.
August 23, 2021--Dr. Drew Colfax returns to help KZXY listeners navigate through the worst days of the Delta variant surge, which has filled hospital beds across the region. With calls from listeners.
August 20, 2021--Public Health Officer Dr. Andy Coren gives the weekly Covid-19 briefing with members of the local media. Case rates in Mendocino County are now the worst in the state, and local hospitals are reaching capacity. The County has experienced its 57th death in the last 24 hours.
August 16, 2021--Dr. Drew Colfax returns to KZYX after five days straight in the ER, where 10-15 people a night were coming through with Covid, and patients with other emergencies were facing 60 hour waits for care. In a situation he describes as a 'crush' of Delta variant infections, he confirms that cases are off the charts and hospitals all over Northern California are full, mostly from unvaccinated people sick with the virus.
August 13, 2021--Mendocino County Public Health Officer Dr. Andy Coren gives a special briefing on the Delta variant and state of the virus in Mendocino County, after reporting yesterday the most new infections in a single day since the start of the pandemic. With questions from local journalists.
August 6, 2021--Dr. Andy Coren gives a briefing on the state of the Delta Variant in Mendocino County, new county guidelines and orders regarding masking, and the community's 53rd death from the disease. With questions from local journalists.
August 2, 2021--Dr. Drew Colfax returns to the KZYX airwaves for a special call-in show in light of the ongoing surge of new Covid cases sweeping through Mendocino County. With information about the Delta Variant, pediatric cases, best practices for staying safe and slowing the spread, and LOTS of listener phone calls.
June 28, 2021--The LAST Episode of the Local Coronavirus Update with Dr. Drew Colfax...for now. Listeners call in with questions, thanks, and a couple of Covid-Update farewell poems!
June 21, 2021--Dr. Drew Colfax and Alicia Bales give a live update on KZYX about the week's coronavirus news for Mendocino County, and answer listeners' calls.
June 18, 2021--Mendocino County Public Health Officer Dr. Andy Coren gives a live briefing on KZYX about the local Covid Pandemic, and answers listeners' questions. With Kirk Ford, Assistant Director of the County's Department Operations Center.
June 14, 2021--Dr. Drew Colfax is live in the studio for the Local Coronavirus Update on KZYX, bringing the latest updates and answering listeners questions.
June 11, 2021--KZYX broadcasts the County of Mendocino's biweekly Covid-19 update with Public Health Officer Dr. Andy Coren and members of the local media.
June 7, 2021--Dr. Drew Colfax returns with the latest on Mendocino County's coronavirus status, with an ongoing surge among the unvaccinated population, increasingly desperate measures to get residents their shots, and all manner of advice about socializing in and outdoors.
June 4, 2021--Dr. Andy Coren reports that Mendocino County is currently in a surge, with Covid-19 cases rising inland, 8 hospitalizations, and 1 additional death from the virus in the community. He urges unvaccinated residents to get the vaccine, announcing 18 upcoming vaccine events scheduled by the county in the week ahead, and money prizes for those who get their shot before June 15th.
May 31, 2021--Dr. Drew Colfax gives the week's update and answers callers' questions about the relative risks of various activities such as riding a train, playing volleyball indoors, and of course sing-a-longs.
May 28, 2021--As Mendocino County experiences a surge of new cases among unvaccinated residents, Public Health Officer Dr. Andy Coren warns we may be headed back to the "Orange Tier."
May 24, 2021--Dr. Drew Colfax returns to KZYX with his thoughts on the ongoing pandemic, and answer listeners' questions.
May 21, 2021--Dr. Andy Coren and Trey Strickland bring KZYX listeners up to date as Covid cases continue to increase throughout the Mendocino County this week.
May 17, 2021--Dr. Drew Colfax calls in from the road with his thoughts on Mendocino County's mini-surge and new hospitalizations, and the CDC's stupid advice about masking. With calls from listeners.
Here are the vaccine events organized by Mendocino County Public Health this week. To find out more please visit https://www.mendocinocounty.org/community/novel-coronavirus/covid-19-vaccinations
First Dose Vaccine Events:
TONIGHT (Friday May 14, 2021) in Hopland at the Intersection of HWY 101 and HWY 175 from 5-7pm, no appointment necessary. This is for all individuals aged 12 and older, for minors a parent or legal guardian must print out and sign consent from, find that at mendocinocounty.org
Monday May 17th in Point Arena at the Point Arena City Hall from 3-5pm, they’re offering Moderna 1st Doses for all people age 18 and older. You can schedule an appointment at mendocinocounty.org, but all county vaccine events are also now walk-in.
Wednesday May 19th in Ukiah, there is a First Dose Pfizer vaccine event at Manzanita Services at 410 Jones St in Ukiah from 1-2pm. Open to all 12 and older, minors need a signed parental consent form.
Wednesday May 19 in Ukiah at the Ukiah Fairgrounds, there is a Moderna 1st Dose event from 4-7pm, for anyone 18 and older.
On Friday May 21st in Redwood Valley there is a 1st Dose Pfizer event at Eagle Peak Middle School from 8-10am, open for anyone 12 and older, especially students and their families.
Friday in Ukiah there is also a 1st Dose Pfizer vaccine event at Pomolita Middle School from 11am-1pm, again for anyone 12 and older, especially students and their families.
And on Friday and Saturday there are Pfizer 1st Dose events at Ukiah High School for anyone 12 and older, especially students and their families. On Friday May 21st they’re vaccinating from 2pm-5pm. And on Saturday May 22nd they’ll be giving shots from 8am-1pm.
2nd Dose Events:
Pfizer 2nd Doses
Tuesday May 18th there is a 2nd dose event at Leggett Valley School from 10am to noon for anyone who received their 1st dose at Leggett Valley School on April 28, 2021. Bring your vaccination card.
Tuesday May 18th there is a 2nd dose Pfizer event at Laytonville High School from 12:30-1pm for those who received their first dose of Pfizer at Laytonville High on April 28, 2021.
Tuesday May 18th there is a 2nd dose Pfizer clinic at Whale Gulch School from 11am-12pm for anyone who got their first Pfizer shot on April 28, 2021.
On Thursday May 20th there is a 2nd dose Pfizer event in Ukiah at the Ukiah Fairgrounds from 3-5pm for anyone who received their 1st does at the Ukiah Fairgrounds on or before April 28th or April 29th.
And on Saturday May 22nd there is a 2nd dose Pfizer clinic at Ukiah High School from 8am-1pm for anyone who received their 1st dose at Ukiah High on May 1st, 2021.
Moderna 2nd Doses
Thursday May 20th, there is a 2nd dose Moderna clinic from 5-7pm for anyone who received their first dose on or before april 22nd at the Ukiah fairgrounds.
You can also contact your local clinic or health center to find out about local vaccine opportunities. Pharmacies such as rite aid, safeway, and walmart are offering vaccine appointments at their websites. Veterans can get vaccines at the VA Clinic, tribal health centers in the county are offering vaccine events.
There are no barriers to verification, there is no affect on eligibility for benefits or immigration status. Some events may offer special rewards to people who get their shots, such as gift cards and gift certificates for food and other goodies. All county events are now walk-in, no appointment necessary. Bring your vaccination card for 2nd dose events. And for minors between 12 and 17, bring a signed consent form from your parent or guardian which you can print out by visiting the mendocinocounty.org website or by clicking this link https://www.mendocinocounty.org/home/showpublisheddocument/43026/637564986498770000
Mendocino County Public Health's Vaccine Events for the week of 5.10
Bring your vaccination cards for 2nd dose shots. Walk Ins welcome to all events.
Today, Monday 5/10 at the Ukiah Fairgrounds from 5-7pm, Johnson and Johnson and Pfizer shots.
Tuesday 5/11 at Potter Valley High School from 11:15am-1pm, J & J and Pfizer 2nd doses for anyone who received their first shot on 4/20. 1st doses also available, Walk Ins Welcome. 16 and older.
Tuesday 5/11 at the Ukiah Fairgrounds from 5-7pm, Pfizer shots available.
Wednesday 5/12 in Covelo at Covelo High School from 10am-12pm, Pfizer 1st doses and 2nd doses for anyone who received their first shot on 4/21, 16 and older.
Thursday 5/13 at the Ukiah Fairgrounds from 1-7pm, Pfizer 2nd Doses from anyone who had their first shots on April 19, 20, 22nd or 23rd.
Friday in Hopland at the corner of Hwy 175 and Hwy 101, the County is working with the Hopland Tribal Council to have a drive through event from 5-7pm. Walk ins also welcome.
More events are being added daily, check https://www.mendocinocounty.org/community/novel-coronavirus/covid-19-vaccinations to find out more.
May 7, 2021--Alicia Bales hosts the Friday Covid Q&A with members of Mendocino County's Coronavirus Response Team, including Vaccine Coordinators Darcie Antle and Angel Slater, and Trey Strickland who has taken over management of the Department Operations Center in charge of testing, case investigation, and contact tracing. Also on the panel is Dr. William Miller, Chief of Staff at Adventist Health – Mendocino Coast Hospital, who writes the weekly Miller Report covering pandemic developments.
May 3, 2021--Dr. Drew Colfax answers listeners' questions about the local coronavirus response, hospitalization rates, vaccine hesitancy and more.
Covid Testing Opportunities in Mendocino County, Week starting May 3:
Testing rates have fallen off, but free testing is still available in Mendocino County. Rates are so low, we may not be able to find index cases in time to control outbreaks. Dr. Coren recommended getting tested once per month whether vaccinated or not.
-Ukiah: Sunday-Thursday 9-5 pm at the Ukiah Fairgrounds
-Fort Bragg: Tuesdays 9-5 at the Vets Hall
The county’s Optum-Serv Testing Travel Team is in Point Arena and Boonville today 4/30.
-Next Week they’ll be in Laytonville and Willits
Consolidated Tribal Health is testing in Willits today 4/30.
Symptomatic people should go to their clinics/providers for testing.
Vaccine opportunities: All vaccines are Free and Accessible to all
County events:
-Ukiah on Saturday May 1, Pfizer at Ukiah High School, for students and families.
-Willits on May 4, 3-6pm, Willits Community Center. Pfizer 1st and 2nd Dose.
-Ukiah on May 5, 1-7pm Ukiah Fairgrounds, Pfizer 1st and 2nd Dose.
-Mendocino on May 6, 3-6pm, Mendocino Presbyterian Church, 44831 Main Street. Pfizer 1st and 2nd Dose.
Local Clinics:
-RCMS in Gualala is going to have Pfizer vaccines available on Saturdays and during clinic visits. May 1st 2nd Dose Pfizer, May
8th 2nd dose Pfizer. Call to sign up.
-Mendocino Coast Clinics--"May is for Moderna," Fridays 5:30-7:30 drive thru clinics at MCC in Fort Bragg, call call at 964-1251
-Anderson Valley Health Center, holding a clinic on Thurs May 6, for 2nd dose Moderna at AV High School, first doses are available by request, drop in.
-MCHC. Has J&J available at their office, shots are available during patient visits.
-Baechtel Creek Clinic in Willits, vaccinations on Tuesdays and Fridays, Pfizer 2nd doses are available. Some Moderna. Please call first to schedule.
-Laytonville, Long Valley Health Center: Tuesdays and Friday Clinics. 10am to noon 2nd Dose Moderna, by appointment or walk in.
-Consolidated Tribal Health, Redwood Valley, will be offering Moderna 1st doses on Weds 5/5 in the morning, with 2nd doses available in the afternoon
-Adventists Health Ukiah Valley, has vaccines available for their patients, sign up with them for scheduling a future combined clinic
-Round Valley Indian Health Center, Saturday May 15th, 10am-12pm, 1st or second doses drive throughs and walk ins are welcome.
April 26, 2021--Dr. Drew Colfax gives an update on the latest coronavirus news and answers listeners' questions...with a good dose of fundraising to support KZYX!
April 23, 2021--Mendocino County 3rd District Supervisor John Haschak joins Alicia Bales to interview Public Health Officer Dr. Andy Coren and Department Operations Center Manager Bekkie Emery about the latest news in the local coronavirus response: vaccination and testing opportunities, breakthrough cases, and when the county might move into the yellow tier. With listeners questions and enthusiastic appeals for donations for the Spring '21 fundraising drive.
April 19, 2021--Dr. Drew Colfax returns with an update on the Coronavirus Pandemic and answers to listeners' questions.
April 16, 2021--Mendocino County's biweekly Covid-19 Update with Public Health Officer Dr. Andy Coren and members of the local media.
April 12, 2021-- Dr. Drew Colfax returns for an hour of local coronavirus news and caller questions.
April 9, 2021--Dr. Andy Coren reports the latest from Mendocino County's pandemic response, as we enter the State's Orange Tier and expand vaccination eligibility to all residents older than 16.
April 5, 2021--Dr. Drew Colfax explores the non-linear nature of epidemiology, the astonishing capacity of the immune system, and the need to think critically about vaccine disinformation.
This Week’s Vaccine Clinics in Mendocino County
To find out more about all of these events visit MyTurn.Ca.Gov or MendocinoCounty.org, and the Facebook pages of Mendocino County public health and all the local health providers. For those without access to the internet you can call my turn at 833-422-4255, The County vaccine scheduling line at 707-472-2633, and NCO at 707-467-3239. You can also text NCO at 707-209-7161 include nco vax in the body of the text.
In Talmage, the County is holding a Johnson and Johnson vaccine clinic at MCOE on Wednesday April 7th.
At the Ukiah Fairgrounds, there will be a 1st Dose Pfizer Vaccine Clinic on Thursday April 8th.
At Redwood Coast Medical Services in Gualala, there are regular vaccine clinics on Saturdays. With Smaller events during the week, and via clinic visits.
At Mendocino Coast Clinics there will be a 2nd Dose Moderna vaccine clinic Tomorrow. MCC is also distributing vaccines at their clinic, and through their street medicine program.
In Anderson Valley, At Anderson Valley Health Center, they are doing regular weekly vaccinations on Thursdays.
In Laytonville at the Long Valley Health Center, starting next week they will be doing regular vaccination events on Thursdays and Fridays.
In willits, Bechdel Creek Clinic is having a 2nd Dose Moderna clinic on Wednesday April 14th.
Round Valley Indian Health Center will hold a vaccine event on Saturday April 10th and Friday April 16th.
Mendocino Community Health Center in Ukiah partners with Alex Rorabaugh Center for mass vaccine events every Wednesday. Next week it will be a 2nd dose Pfizer clinic. MCHC is also distributing Johnson and Johnson through office visits.
Tier Status
Mendocino County is close to qualifying to move from the RED Tier to the Orange Tier, which could happen in the next 3-5 days. The orange tier status would increase capacity for religious services, retail, outdoor live events, pools, wineries and breweries, and family entertainment centers among other things. Dr. Coren is mindful of the upcoming holidays, and the rise in cases on the east coast possibly due to more easily transmissible variants, and cautions against the urge to open up too fast and let our guard down.
March 29, 2021--Dr. Drew Colfax returns for an uncharacteristically optimistic show about the state of the pandemic, after working several shifts at the Ukiah ER without diagnosing ANY NEW CASES of COVID-19. This week it's hard to find any first dose vaccination clinics in the county, as efforts focus on 2nd doses locally. The state may not be prioritizing us for 1st doses this week or next, since Mendocino County has reached the UN-grim milestone of around 50,000 shots administered, with lower hospitalization and positivity rates as a result.
March 22, 2021--Join Dr. Drew Colfax for the weekly version of the local coronavirus update, an hour-long Q&A with KZYX listeners about the latest coronavirus developments and news.
Notes:
KZYX gives a shout out to the local journalists who participated in the briefing today: the Mendocino Voice at mendovoice.com, the Facebook page Mendocino Action News, KMUD, and the Mendocino Beacon. They are doing tireless reporting on the pandemic locally, huge thanks to them for keeping us informed, they all deserve our support.
There has been one additional death in the county this week, bringing our total up to 46. He was an elderly White male from Fort Bragg. Last week we lost a 57 year old woman with multiple comorbidities, including covid-19.
Our overall case numbers are shrinking in Mendocino County. We currently have 39 active case in isolation, and 63 people in quarantine. We have 1 person in the hospital in Ukiah, no one in the ICU, and 1 Mendocino County resident in the hospital out of county.
There are no new outbreaks this week. There was an outbreak at Ukiah Post Acute involving 11 residents and 3 staff members, that is resolving.
Testing rates have gone way down in the county, to less than 90 tests per day.
There are still testing opportunities: 9-5 Saturday through Thursday at the Fairgrounds in Ukiah. And in Fort Bragg 9-5 Tuesdays at the Vets Hall. Rotating testing teams are visiting communities on Fridays, rotating through 2 sites per week from Point Arena to Round Valley. Testing rates need to go up to more effectively find asymptomatic carriers, including people who have been vaccinated.
There have been 47,746 vaccine doses administered in Mendocino County, 40% of adults in the county have had at least 1 shot, and 19.6% have had both.
If you have not been vaccinated and would like to sign up for a vaccine appointment, the county is using MyTurn.CA.GOV for county vaccination events. If you don’t have the internet, you can call in Spanish and English to 833-422-4255
Or call the County scheduling line at 707-472-2633
NCO has a vaccine call line to help with scheduling at 707-467-3239.
You can also TEXT them at 707-209-7161, include NCO VAX in the message.
Vaccines:
This upcoming week 2nd doses will be prioritized in the county, with some 1st dose events as well. Johnson and Johnson vaccine doses will be targeted towards homeless, incarcerated and hard to reach individuals.
The County is holding two 2nd dose clinics next week. Monday will be a 2nd dose Pfizer event, and Thursday will a 2nd dose Moderna event, both at the Fairgrounds in Ukiah.
RCMS is holding regular Saturday vaccine events.
Laytonville, Long Valley Health Center, on Fridays.
Adventist and MCHC are collaborating on a regular event at the ARC in Ukiah.
MCC vaccine events on Fridays.
There will be a vaccine event in Little River on April 1st.
And A 2nd Dose Moderna Event in Caspar on April 2nd.
Vaccine eligibility is opening up this week to construction workers. Proof of eligibility for health and other criteria will be self-attestation, they don’t want to be turning anyone away from vaccination clinics.
All variants are present here in California, and Dr. Coren advised continuing to double-mask by wearing 2 cloth masks.
March 15, 2021--Dr. Drew Colfax answers listeners questions about all things coronavirus, and lots of calls about shingles.
March 12, 2021--This Friday's update features Mendocino County’s Vaccine Coordinator Darcie Antle and Vaccine Clinic Coordinator Public Health Nurse Angle Slater with the latest on vaccination progress and current eligibility, when the Johnson and Johnson vaccine will arrive, how our prospects look for leaving the purple tier, and more. Spanish interpretation provided by Loreto Rojas, cohost of MendoLatino on KZYX. With an update from Supervisor Ted Williams live from the Caspar Community Center County Vaccination Event.
March 8, 2021--Dr. Drew Colfax returns for the Local Coronavirus Update, answering Mendocino County listener's questions about Covid-19. With the latest on this week's scheduled vaccine events in the county.
County Vaccine Events
-Tuesday 3/9 First Dose Event at the Ukiah Fairgrounds
-Thursday 3/11 Second Dose Event at the Ukiah Fairgrounds
-Saturday 3/13 First and Second Dose Event at the Ukiah Fairgrounds
To see the schedule and find out how to register, go to https://www.mendocinocounty.org/community/novel-coronavirus/covid-19-vaccinations/vaccination-clinics. Or call: 707-472-2759
Adventist Health Vaccine Events
-Willits at the Willits High School on Sunday 3/7 details here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040d4eaeac2da3f94-adventist
-On the Coast at CV Starr Center in Fort Bragg on Thursday 3/11
-Ukiah at the Alex Rohrbaugh Center (ARC) on Wednesday 3/10 (regular weekly event)
Follow https://www.facebook.com/ahukiahvalley , https://www.facebook.com/AHMendocinoCoast , https://www.facebook.com/ahhowardmemorial, to be alerted to vaccine appointments via sign up genius.
RCMS in Gualala
-Event on Saturday 3/6 and ongoing Saturdays. They will contact their patients.
MCC in Fort Bragg
-Monday March 8, in Fort Bragg, call to make appointment, do not need to be a patient.
MCC invites community members who are in the approved tiers to call them to make an appointment (964-1251) or be put on a waitlist if they run out of appointment slots. They are scheduling drive through events with 25 people every 15 minutes. The individual will come to the venue and drive to registration, verify name and date of birth- no ID is necessary. If you are not a patient of Mendocino Coast Clinics, they will gather a little more information from you. The car then proceeds to the vaccine station and then on to a parking spot to be observed for 15 minutes.
Long Valley Health Center in Laytonville
-Tuesday 3/9 vaccination event, patients will be notified. if you are not their patient or have not been in the clinic in the past two years, please sign up on their survey monkey (https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LVHC_COVID_Vaccine ) or call the health center at (707) 984-6131 ext.114 to be put on their Covid vaccine interest list:
County of Mendocino Vaccination numbers
-Week of March 1-March 5: 6,500 doses total received from the state.
-Total vaccines given by the county so far: 31,180 total shots/22,081 first doses.
-31.3% of eligible residents (over 16 years) have rec’d first dose, 13.5% of eligible residents have rec’d both doses
March 1, 2021--Case numbers are dropping in Mendocino County, and vaccine doses are up to over 30,000 and growing. Join Dr. Drew Colfax for the latest news and numbers, including the newly approved Johnson and Johnson Vaccine, "long Covid," and many questions about whether people can gather, travel, and visit babies once they've been vaccinated. Tune in to the Local Coronavirus Update live every Monday afternoon at 3pm PST on KZYX and Z.
February 27, 2021--This Friday's Coronavirus Update features members of Mendocino County's Coronavirus response team. This week we hear from Bekkie Emery, Manager of the Department Operations Center, and Darcie Antle, Mendocino County's Vaccine Coordinator, with Spanish language interpretation by Ricardo Ibarra. In the second half of the hour, Adventist Health CEO Judson Howe and Public Information Office Cici Wininger give an update on the hospital's efforts to vaccinate Mendocino County residents in collaboration with Public Health and the local FQHCs, or Federally Qualified Health Centers.
February 22, 2021--This episode begins with live remarks from President Biden, as he recognizes the US reaching 500,000 deaths from Covid-19. In local news, the County of Mendocino has attained impressive vaccination rates already, and the number of local cases continues to drop from week to week. Dr. Colfax and Alicia announce that the Update will be moving to an hour-long format once a week, every Monday afternoon from 3-4pm.
KZYX brings you a live Covid Q & A with the county’s brand new Interim Public Health Director Mary Alice Willeford, Dr. Jenine Miller, Assistant Health and Human Services Director, and Department Operations Center Manager Bekkie Emery. If you’re wondering what the difference is between the Public Health Officer and the Public Health Director, check out this episode. Spanish interpretation provided by Loreto Rojas of MendoLatino.
February 17, 2021--Dr. Drew Colfax gives an update on the latest coronavirus numbers as cases across the state and nation finally fall to pre-surge levels.
February 15, 2021--Dr. Colfax is away for the holiday, so Alicia talks with Lake County Public Health Officer Dr. Gary Pace, who gives an update about Lake County's pandemic numbers and vaccination efforts, and answers listener questions.
February 12, 2021--Alicia Bales talks with Deputy Public Health Officer Dr. Mimi Doohan, Mendocino County CEO Carmel Angelo, and DOC Manager Bekkie Emery, with Spanish interpretation by Loreto Rojas of MendoLatino, KZYX's Spanish language public affairs show.
Wednesday, February 10, 2021--Between sessions of the Senate Impeachment Trial, Dr. Colfax answers lots of questions about vaccinations.
Monday, February 8, 2021--Dr. Drew Colfax is joined by special guest pediatrician Dr. Casey Johnston to talk about schools reopening and kids' health.
February 5, 2021--Mendocino County CEO Carmel Angelo and Department Operations Center Manager Bekkie Emery follow up on the county's Covid-19 briefing with a Q & A for KZYX listeners.
Wednesday, February 3, 2021--Ukiah ER Physician Dr. Drew Colfax and KZYX Program Director Alicia Bales host the Local Coronavirus Update for Mendocino County, California with news and answers to listeners' Covid-19 questions.
February 1, 2021--On this edition of The Local Coronavirus Update, Dr. Drew Colfax gives the latest on local infection rates and vaccination efforts, which are going quite well in Mendocino County. With information about schools reopening, advice about how to get signed up with local clinics, and an explanation about why mRNA vaccines are safe. The Local Coronavirus Update airs live on KZYX in Mendocino county every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 3pm PST.
Mendocino County Numbers for 1-29-20
Total cases: 3363
New cases: 85 (since monday)
Active cases: 200
Hospitalization: 16
ICU: 2
Quarantine and isolation: 525
7.1% positivity rate
18.4 new cases per day
Deaths: 36
Vaccine Hotline: (707) 472-7663
Mendocino Covid-19 Call Center: 707-472-2759
Testing:
Optumserv: Ukiah at the fairgrounds 7am to 7pm, seven days a week. Walk ins OK. Free. Website: https://lhi.care/covidtesting
Fort Bragg Veteran’s Hall EVERY TUESDAY at 9am, Free, First come First Serve. Register at lhi.care/covidtesting
Mendocino Coast Clinics Free Drive through surveillance testing, Wednesday mornings and Thursday afternoons. Call MCC at 964-1351 to make appointment.
Vaccine Clinics:
FIRST DOSE EVENT: Tuesday, February 2nd from 11-1:30 at the high school gym for in home support workers
SECOND DOSE EVENT: Wednesday, February 3rd from 9am-4pm. For people who received the Moderna vaccine on Jan 4th or 7th at the Redwood Empire fairgrounds or the Dohnovan Room at the sheriff's dep.
Calls
- How do 65+ folks sign up for a vaccine? The county is starting to roll out the vaccine based on the age criteria, but there is currently an emphasis on 75+ first. Federal health care centers are setting up a database of information so they can reach out to people when they qualify for a vaccine clinic. Paying attention to local vaccine clinic announcements is also an effective way to figure out when and where you can go to get a vaccine.
- Are there any new vaccines coming out? Johnson & Johnson are currently applying for vaccine approval. They have the capacity and have contracted to provide 100 million doses of the vaccine to the US by June. The Astrazeneca bungled their vaccine clinical trial, so the FDA is hesitant to approve its use. NovaVac is about a month behind Johnson & Johnson when it comes to vaccine approval.
- Are people going to need a booster shot or extra vaccine to handle the new Covid strains? Not necessarily, but in the fall there may be a push to provide a booster shot depending on what we learn about the new strains.
- Do regular nurses qualify for the vaccine clinic treating at home care workers? You should be able to contact the Lake county or Mendocino county Public Department of Health to see if you qualify as a frontline healthcare worker, and then be able to go and get the vaccine.
- Why is there not more transparency about the amount of available vaccines in the county? Different agencies in the county aren’t communicating about how many vaccines that they’re getting, so we don’t have any combined data on the matter.
Mendocino County Numbers for 1-27-20
Total cases: 3322
Hospitalization: 16
ICU: 1
7% positivity rate
20 per 100,000
Deaths: 36
Vaccine Hotline: (707) 472-7663
Mendocino Covid-19 Call Center: 707-472-2759
Testing:
Optumserv: Ukiah at the fairgrounds 7am to 7pm, seven days a week. Walk ins OK. Free. Website: https://lhi.care/covidtesting
Fort Bragg Veteran’s Hall EVERY TUESDAY at 9am, Free, First come First Serve. Register at lhi.care/covidtesting
Mendocino Coast Clinics Free Drive through surveillance testing, Wednesday mornings and Thursday afternoons. Call MCC at 964-1351 to make appointment.
Calls
- What is the process of registering to get the COVID vaccine? You can go to vaccinatemendo.com to enter your info and be alerted when a clinic is available for you. You can also call public health for more information at (707)-472-2759.
- Good news! Last Thursday at the Anderson Valley health clinic they vaccinated around 100 people in under 90 minutes with no problems. Why was it decided that agriculture workers are more important than in home health care workers? Choices about who got the vaccine when had to be made very quickly. There has been a lot of confusion over the past few weeks but the county is working everything out more thoroughly now.
- How will people with threatening health problems be ranked in the order of people who get the vaccine? We don’t currently have a system for one off vaccinations based on health problems but it is a very interesting proposition.
January 25, 2021--Ukiah Emergency Room Physician Dr. Drew Colfax gives the latest local coronavirus numbers for Mendocino County, with commentary about Governor Newsom's rollback of shelter-in-place order, vaccine patents and production, and the lack of county reporting of pending test numbers, with questions from listeners. Listen and call in to the Local Coronavirus Update live on KZYX at 3pm Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays throughout the pandemic.
January 22, 2021--KZYX's Program Director Alicia Bales hosted an open lines Q and A with Mendocino County Public Health Officer Andy Coren, Bekkie Emery of the Department Operations Center, and Adrienne Thompson of the county's Vaccine Task Force about the county's ongoing efforts to combat the coronavirus. Broadcast on Friday, January 22, 2021 at 3pm.
Mendocino County Numbers for 1-20-20
Total cases: 3171
New cases: 57
Active cases: 379
Pending Tests: 3291+
Hospitalization: 11
ICU: 1
Quarantine and isolation: 600
6.87% positivity rate
40 per 100,000
Deaths: 32
Vaccine Hotline: (707) 472-7663
Mendocino Covid-19 Call Center: 707-472-2759
Testing:
Optumserv: Ukiah at the fairgrounds 7am to 7pm, seven days a week. Walk ins OK. Free. Website: https://lhi.care/covidtesting
Fort Bragg Veteran’s Hall EVERY TUESDAY at 9am, Free, First come First Serve. Register at lhi.care/covidtesting
Mendocino Coast Clinics Free Drive through surveillance testing, Wednesday mornings and Thursday afternoons. Call MCC at 964-1351 to make appointment.
Calls
- Will taking prednisone affect my vaccination? No, it would not in a small dose.
- Is the vaccination tier switching to 65 in Mendocino? Yes, we should be transitioning to the 65 and up tier soon.
- Is building and planning running our vaccine set up? They are managing the logistics of the vaccination effort, but the medical aspects are being handled by health care providers.
- Should we be mindful of talking and breathing around others to avoid spreading Covid? Yes.
Mendocino County Numbers for 1-15-20
Total cases: 3114
New cases: approx 31
Active cases: 379
Pending Tests: 3291+
Hospitalization: 13
ICU: 1
Quarantine and isolation: 650
6.72% positivity rate
40 per 100,000
Deaths: 32
Vaccine Hotline: (707) 472-7663
Mendocino Covid-19 Call Center: 707-472-2759
Testing:
Optumserv: Ukiah at the fairgrounds 7am to 7pm, seven days a week. Walk ins OK. Free. Website: https://lhi.care/covidtesting
Fort Bragg Veteran’s Hall EVERY TUESDAY at 9am, Free, First come First Serve. Register at lhi.care/covidtesting
Mendocino Coast Clinics Free Drive through surveillance testing, Wednesday mornings and Thursday afternoons. Call MCC at 964-1351 to make appointment.
Calls
- Where would information be available on how the vaccine will affect people with immune system issues? We don’t really have that data yet. Adverse reactions are being tracked all over the country but there has been no publication of the collected data.
- Was the vaccine developed or manufactured using fetal cells? There may have been one stage of the development of possibly the moderna vaccine that used fetal cells, but that is not confirmed.
- When will people who got the first vaccine be altered if they are not able to get the second dose of the vaccine by the end of the month? The plan is to alert people 2-3 days before the booster shot becomes available, but the county won't be alerted to whether or not they will be getting a shipment of the vaccine until about 24-48 hours before it arrives.
Mendocino County Numbers for 1-15-20
Total cases: 3055
New cases: approx 31
Active cases: 379
Pending Tests: 3291+
Hospitalization: 15
ICU: 2
Quarantine and isolation: 650
6.25% positivity rate
38 per 100,000
Deaths: 31
Vaccine Hotline: (707) 472-7663
Mendocino Covid-19 Call Center: 707-472-2759
Testing:
Optumserv: Ukiah at the fairgrounds 7am to 7pm, seven days a week. Walk ins OK. Free. Website: https://lhi.care/covidtesting
Fort Bragg Veteran’s Hall EVERY TUESDAY at 9am, Free, First come First Serve. Register at lhi.care/covidtesting
Mendocino Coast Clinics Free Drive through surveillance testing, Wednesday mornings and Thursday afternoons. Call MCC at 964-1351 to make appointment.
Calls
- How will herd immunity work from the vaccine if we don't know whether or not people can still carry Covid after being vaccinated? While we don’t know for sure whether or not you can still carry the virus after being vaccinated, you are far less likely too.
- Is there any information about the outbreak at the Safeway in Willits? Five people from the Willits Safeway tested positive.
- How do you find out and sign up for the Adventist Health open clinics. The clinics will work to reach out to people who are in the correct age tier, however right now most of our vaccines are still going out to essential workers.
- How should families function when not every member is vaccinated? It takes about six weeks total for the vaccine to work and even after that people should still follow all social distancing protocols, especially if not everyone in the family is vaccinated?
- Are the vaccine clinics going through with phase 1b tier 1? Yes, but we are not vaccinating 65+ yet, only 75+ and essential workers.
- Should people wait to get the vaccine until the county is sure that we will have enough vaccines down the road for people to get the second dose, or should people go ahead and get the first dose without that confirmation? One shot is better than no shot and does significantly reduce your risk of contracting Covid.
- If everybody in a household is vaccinated, can they change their social behaviors? Within the household yes, but other activities should still be restricted in a Covid safe way.
- Would the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine be better for someone with health issues? As far as we know neither one of them is better than the other when it comes to external health issues.
Mendocino County Numbers for 1-13-20
Total cases: 2,970
New cases: 15
Active cases: 348
Pending Tests: 3291+
Hospitalization: 17
ICU: 2
Quarantine and isolation: 331
6.38% positivity rate
38 per 100,000
Deaths: 31
Vaccine Hotline: (707) 472-7663
Mendocino Covid-19 Call Center: 707-472-2759
Testing:
Optumserv: Ukiah at the fairgrounds 7am to 7pm, seven days a week. Walk ins OK. Free. Website: https://lhi.care/covidtesting
Fort Bragg Veteran’s Hall EVERY TUESDAY at 9am, Free, First come First Serve. Register at lhi.care/covidtesting
Mendocino Coast Clinics Free Drive through surveillance testing, Wednesday mornings and Thursday afternoons. Call MCC at 964-1351 to make appointment.
Calls:
- The line at the fairgrounds reached all the way around the RV park and there was very little social distancing. People said that their doctors or people at the hospital had told them that there was a clinic that day for elnderly patients at the fairgrounds. Also are doctors required to administer the vaccines they receive? They are now rolling out doses to patients and the administration at adventist supports getting the shots given within 48 hours of the vaccine shipment arrival.
- What does it mean that this Friday's vaccine clinic is available for agricultural workers? Is there some sort of documentation required? It’s difficult to determine who qualifies as an agricultural worker. All clinics this week are already full
How do clinics become full when it’s first come first serve and how do you get on a list when you’re told there is no list? Communication has been difficult. We are dealing with a vaccine rollout that has changed dramatically in the past week.
Mendocino County Numbers for 1-11-21
Total cases: 2914
New cases:200
Active cases: 321
Pending Tests: 3291+
Hospitalization: 14
ICU: 1
Quarantine and isolation: 670
6.27% positivity rate
40 per 100,000
Deaths: 26
Mendocino Covid-19 Call Center: 707-472-2759
Testing:
Optumserv: Ukiah at the fairgrounds 7am to 7pm, seven days a week. Walk ins OK. Free. Website: https://lhi.care/covidtesting
Fort Bragg Veteran’s Hall EVERY TUESDAY at 9am, Free, First come First Serve. Register at lhi.care/covidtesting
Mendocino Coast Clinics Free Drive through surveillance testing, Wednesday mornings and Thursday afternoons. Call MCC at 964-1351 to make appointment.
Calls:
- Are people who chose not to be vaccinated going to be tracked or recorded to see how their decision impacts infection and the general population? That would be an interesting study but it would be very difficult to execute at this moment and nothing like that is planned.
- If someone had covid unknowingly and still got the vaccine, would they develop the appropriate immune response? Yes
- Is there a possibility that you can still transmit Covid-19 after being vaccinated? It is unlikely but we do not know for sure whether or not it is possible. After getting vaccinated you should still wear facemasks and follow social distancing guidelines.
Bekkie Emery of the Department Operations Center, and Nash Gonzalez and Adrienne Thompson of the County Vaccine Task Force give and update for KZYX listeners on the latest efforts to make the coronavirus vaccines available for Mendocino residents. The phone lines were open for questions from callers. Broadcast live on Friday, January 8, 2021 on KZYX and Z.
Dr. Drew Colfax returns for the Local Coronavirus Update for Wednesday, January 6, 2021, taking a break from live coverage of the siege of the Capitol Building in Washington DC to report the latest on the surging pandemic. With co-host Alicia Bales and calls from KZYX listeners.
Mendocino County Numbers for 1-4-20
Total cases: 2,626
New cases: 15
Active cases: 267
Pending Tests: 3291+
Hospitalization: 12
ICU: 3
Quarantine and isolation: 266
5.87% positivity rate
25.71 per 100,000
Deaths: 30
Mendocino Covid-19 Call Center: 707-472-2759
Testing:
Optumserv: Ukiah at the fairgrounds 7am to 7pm, seven days a week. Walk ins OK. Free. Website: https://lhi.care/covidtesting
Fort Bragg Veteran’s Hall EVERY TUESDAY at 9am, Free, First come First Serve. Register at lhi.care/covidtesting
Mendocino Coast Clinics Free Drive through surveillance testing, Wednesday mornings and Thursday afternoons. Call MCC at 964-1351 to make appointment.
Calls
- Can you still be a carrier of COVID if you get vaccinated? We still don’t know whether or not you can still carry the virus once you’ve been vaccinated.
- How will health care providers not associated with a hospital or business be identified for vaccination? They should call the hospital. 707-462-3111
- Why is there no testing on the south coast? Testing has been difficult to set up across the whole county.
- How safe is flying in an airplane? Airplanes have hepa filters and everyone is required to wear a mask. You are more likely to get sick from wherever you are going than getting sick from being on the airplane.
- How is the county handling the lack of testing in rural areas? Mendocino Coast Clinics is restarting drive through testing on january 6th for Wednesday and Thursdays. You don’t need to make an appointment or get out of your car to get tested.
Mendocino County Numbers for 12-30-20
Total cases: 2441
New cases: 35
Active cases: 321
Pending Tests: 3291+
Hospitalization: 17
ICU: 3
Quarantine and isolation: 600
5.63% positivity rate
40 per 100,000
Deaths: 26
Mendocino Covid-19 Call Center: 707-472-2759
Testing:
Optumserv: Ukiah at the fairgrounds 7am to 7pm, seven days a week. Walk ins OK. Free. Website: https://lhi.care/covidtesting
Fort Bragg Veteran’s Hall EVERY TUESDAY at 9am, Free, First come First Serve. Register at lhi.care/covidtesting
Calls
- Why aren’t there more tests available, especially on the south coast? We’re not sure when the next testing event will be on the south coast.
- Should people stay out of LA until they get the vaccine? Yes.
- What should you do if you think you’re asymptomatic or have recovered without knowing that you had it? If you believe you’re asymptomatic you should quarantine and get tested. If you are symptomatic in any way then testing and isolation is also warranted.
- Comments on the new strain in Britain? This strain has 28 different mutations and has been found in the suburbs of Denver, Colorado. It appears to be more contagious. We do not have very robust genomic surveillance in the United States so we don’t know how many people have it here.
Mendocino County Numbers for 12-28-20
Total cases: 2406
New cases: 114
Active cases: 321
Pending Tests: 3000+
Hospitalization: 17
ICU: 5
Quarantine and isolation: 600
5.63% positivity rate
40 per 100,000
Deaths: 26
Mendocino Covid-19 Call Center: 707-472-2759
Testing:
Optumserv: Ukiah at the fairgrounds 7am to 7pm, seven days a week. Walk ins OK. Free. Website: https://lhi.care/covidtesting
Fort Bragg Veteran’s Hall December 18th and EVERY TUESDAY at 9am, Free, First come First Serve. Register at lhi.care/covidtesting
Calls
- What kind of quarantine and testing should be carried out if someone were to return from international travel. You should get tested immediately upon arrival, quarantine for seven days, and then be tested again at the end of the seven days.
- Where would people who live on the coast get their vaccination. It would most likely be administered through RCMS (Redwood Coast Medical Services), but that is not confirmed.
- Do air filters work? They do filter your air and ones with ultraviolet light can kill the virus, but COVID guidelines still need to be followed in rooms with air filters.
- Are the vaccines interchangeable? We don’t know. Whether or not you can mix vaccines for the two needed shots has not been tested yet.
- What's the recommendation for people who have to carry an epipen and have autoimmune issues when it comes to getting the vaccine? These people should still get the vaccine. People are kept close by for 15 minutes after getting the shot to make sure that everybody is OK.
- What is going on with the outbreak in our local jail? There are about 17 inmates and 5 staff within the jail who have contracted COVID and there will be a special show with Sheriff Kendall tomorrow morning from 9am to 10am.
Mendocino County Numbers for 12-23-20
Total cases: 2292
New cases: 62
Active cases: 321
Pending Tests: 2600
Hospitalization: 17
ICU: 5
Isolation: 321
Quarantine: 450+
5.38% positivity rate
40 per 100,000
Deaths: 24
Mendocino Covid-19 Call Center: 707-472-2759
Testing:
Optumserv: Ukiah at the fairgrounds 7am to 7pm, seven days a week. Walk ins OK. Free. Website: https://lhi.care/covidtesting
Fort Bragg Veteran’s Hall December 18th and EVERY TUESDAY at 9am, Free, First come First Serve. Register at lhi.care/covidtesting
Calls:
- How many months after the vaccine will the booster be taken? It will be taken 3-4 weeks later depending which vaccine you get.
- Is it safe to get the vaccine if you are breastfeeding your baby? It hasn’t been studied yet, but the general consensus is that it is safe during both pregnancy and lactation based on how vaccines generally affect those groups of people.
- What does it mean for the new strain to be 70 percent more contagious? We don’t really know that 70 percent is based on population spread. We don’t know if it’s due to increased viral load or increased entree into the host cells.
- If someone is hospitalized in Mendocino County, will they stay inside the county for the hospitalization if they are from outside of the area. Why are more places open like beaches? Yes they will stay in the area but they will not be included in the county’s covid count. Outside activities like camping and beaches are now known to be low-risk activities and have been reopened.
Mendocino County Numbers for 12-20
Total cases: 2230
New cases: 180
Active cases: 321
Pending Tests: 2100
Hospitalization: 11
ICU: 3
Isolation: 321
Quarantine: 450+
5.23% positivity rate
22 per 100,000
Deaths: 24
Calls
- Should I drive with my mask on? If you’re driving a car that will be used by others then yes, but if it’s your personal car then no.
- Do people who have already gotten COVID still need the vaccine and how will it affect their body? Yes, you should still get vaccinated. The vaccine created a better immune response than a covid infection will.
- How did they test to see if the vaccine works? Half of the people in the trial are given the vaccine and half are given a placebo. They then go about their lives as normal and are monitored for signs of illness. Once enough people get COVID in the trial group, they analyze whether or not the sick patients had the vaccine or the placebo.
Mendocino County Numbers for 12-18-20
Total cases: 2134
New cases: 83
Pending Tests: 1800
Hospitalization: 7
ICU: 2
Isolation: 321
Quarantine: 450+
4.9% positivity rate
22 per 100,000
Deaths: 24
Mendocino Covid-19 Call Center: 707-472-2759
Testing:
Optumserv: Ukiah at the fairgrounds 7am to 7pm, seven days a week. Walk ins OK. Free. Website: https://lhi.care/covidtesting
Fort Bragg Veteran’s Hall December 18th and EVERY TUESDAY at 9am, Free, First come First Serve. Register at lhi.care/covidtesting
Calls
- Can you still shed the virus after you have been vaccinated? This vaccine was developed so quickly that we do not yet know how it will affect a person's capability to shed and spread the virus. It will protect the vaccinated person against the severest form of the disease.
- How long will it take to get results from the Optumserv in Fort Bragg and how do you sign up for testing? A majority of test results are returned within 2 days. You can either call +1 (888) 634-1123 to register and get your patient number or you can sign up at LHI.care/covidtesting.
- At some point will there be a standby list of people who are prepared to take the vaccine in case there is a surplus of vaccines and they will expire? Yes, there are lists of the first priority people who will be getting the vaccines and some extra people have been notified in case we receive extra vaccines. The county has been very careful to make sure that none of the doses will be wasted.
- If you are a nurse or home hospice worker, is there a way to get the vaccine without going through the hospital or your employer? We are looking at home health care workers and evaluating who is most in need of the vaccine. They are high up on the list of people who will be receiving the vaccine.
- Why will there be a three week break before the next Friday local coronavirus update? Next week is Christmas and after that is new years, and the people working on the Friday update need a break. If something urgent comes up, the public will be notified. The next board of supervisors meeting will be January 5th.
- Will jails be releasing people? Congregate living situations are very dangerous for COVID infection, so some people may be transferred or released to avoid a COVID outbreak. Surveillance testing is being done in jails as well.
- What is the status of therapists for receiving the vaccine? If you are working in a hospital and considered a health care worker then you may be on the list for the vaccine.
- Will the general public be getting the vaccine by the end of summer? Probably
- What are the options for testing on the coast? Regular testing on Tuesdays at the Veterans Hall in Fort Bragg. If you are symptomatic you should go to a primary care provider or go to the emergency room.
- If I got a covid test a couple of weeks ago during the outbreak testing in Albion and never heard back, can I assume that my test was negative? Yes, Public Health outbreak testing only calls you if you are COVID positive. You can call 472-2759 for any other testing issues.
Mendocino County Numbers for 12-16-20
Total cases: 2051
Active Cases: approx. 283
New cases: 60
Pending Tests: 1800
Hospitalization: 7
ICU: 2
Quarantine: 450+
4.9% positivity rate
22 per 100,000
Deaths: 24
Mendocino Covid-19 Call Center: 707-472-2759
Testing:
Optumserv: Ukiah at the fairgrounds 7am to 7pm, seven days a week. Walk ins OK. Free. Website: https://lhi.care/covidtesting
Fort Bragg Veteran’s Hall December 18th and EVERY TUESDAY at 9am, Free, First come First Serve.
Point Arena Friday the 18th, 9:30 am. Veterans Hall.
Anderson Valley Friday the 18th, 7 am. 12300 Anderson Valley way.
Calls
- If you get the vaccine, will the reaction happen right afterwards or later when you go home? The most common reaction (achiness and flu symptoms) will occur 18-36 hours after you get the vaccine. The anaphylactic shock reaction (very rare) would happen 15 minutes after injection.
Mendocino County Numbers for 12-14-20
Total cases: 1,991
Active Cases: approx. 256
New cases: 38
Pending Tests: 1400
Hospitalization: 7
ICU: 2
Quarantine: 400+
4.78% positivity rate
22 per 100,000
Deaths: 24
Mendocino Covid-19 Call Center: 707-472-2759
Testing:
Optumserv: Ukiah at the fairgrounds 7am to 7pm, seven days a week. Walk ins OK. Free. Website: https://lhi.care/covidtesting
Fort Bragg Veteran’s Hall December 18th and EVERY TUESDAY at 9am, Free, First come First Serve.
Point Arena Friday the 18th, 9:30 am. Veterans Hall.
Anderson Valley Friday the 18th, 7 am. 12300 Anderson Valley way.
Calls:
- Should I shower after coming home? It’s not a bad idea, but it's a little overkill. The risks associated with not showering after homing home are not high.
- Is it safe to get together with relatives who have contracted COVID and are now completely recovered? There is a fair amount of evidence showing temporary immunity after recovering from COVID, but Dr.Colfax is still cautious to recommend getting together with them.
- There will be Hopland surveillance testing this Thursday (the 17th). Location: HWY 101 at the drive in by the casino billboard.
- Where do hospice workers fall in the tiers of receiving the vaccine? When you come back into the country, if you get a negative COVID test, do you still have to quarantine? You would probably be in the early second wave of health care workers receiving the vaccine. You would still have to quarantine for a week with a negative test
Special Segment: Following the Coronavirus Update, stay tuned for a 30-minute excerpt of a webinar hosted by Healthy Mendocino, a conversation with the County’s new Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Task Force. To hear the entire webinar and to find out more about the Task Force, visit HealthyMendocino.org.
Mendocino County Numbers for 12-9-20
Total cases: 1,911
New cases: 96 (since Wednesday)
Pending Tests: 1477
Hospitalization: 7
ICU: 2
Isolation: 288
Quarantine: 458
4.62% positivity rate
22 per 100,000
Deaths: 24
Mendocino Covid-19 Call Center: 707-472-2759
Testing:
Optumserv: Ukiah at the fairgrounds 7am to 7pm, seven days a week. Walk ins OK. Free. Website: https://lhi.care/covidtesting
Calls
- Should you shower when you get home from shopping? There are no recommendations that you need to take a shower.
- Is there a way to access how many infected people are in each zip code? Do they test the wastewater by zip code? The number of positive cases by zip codes is on the mendocino county website. Wastewater testing has been something of interest, but there are technical problems of doing it in our community.
Mendocino County Numbers for 12-9-20
Total cases: 1816
New cases: 79 (since Monday)
In Quarantine: 400
Pending Tests: 1477
4.4% positivity rate
22 per 100,000
Deaths: 24
Mendocino Covid-19 Call Center: 707-472-2759
Outbreak at Building Bridges homeless shelter in Ukiah, 8 cases
Testing:
Optumserv: Ukiah at the fairgrounds 7am to 7pm, seven days a week. Walk ins OK. Free. Website: https://lhi.care/covidtesting
Calls:
- My dentist at UCSF won’t let me come in unless I have a throat swab done. Dr, Drew Colfax does not believe we have throat swabbing available in the county.
- How many people are getting tested? We avg 120-180 tests per day. This is considered adequate testing. If you come into the county and get a COVID test and it comes out negative, do you still need to quarantine? The new CDC guidelines require a maximum of 10 days for quarantine, which can be reduced to seven if you get a negative COVID test at the end of those seven days. So far the County has not updated its quarantine recommendations from 14 days, but they are expected to do so when the state does.
- After we all get the vaccine, what will be the body’s reaction? What are the symptoms? Most people have a mild localized reaction, similar to the reaction people have after getting the flu vaccine. The vaccine does not contain COVID virus, so it will not give you an infection.
- How many positive cases do you have to have in an area before it's considered an outbreak? Earlier on in the pandemic it only required 2 people, it may have changed to 3 but it is still a very low number. When will elderly vulnerable people be getting the vaccine? They are in the second tier of people that will be getting them. It is a pretty large group so it will take a while to vaccinate all of them.
Mendocino County Numbers for 12-7-20
Total cases: 1737
New cases: 105 (since last Wednesday)
In Quarantine: 400
Pending Tests: 1477
4.4% positivity rate
22 per 100,000
Deaths: 23
Mendocino Covid-19 Call Center: 707-472-2759
Testing:
Optumserv: Ukiah at the fairgrounds 7am to 7pm, seven days a week. Walk ins OK. Free. Website: https://lhi.care/covidtesting
Calls:
- When will a high risk 70 year old be vaccinated? Out of 100 places, this person would most likely be placed in 8th or 9th place, meaning they will probably be vaccinated in February or March. Is it safe to camp right now? Yes, it is safe and gets you outside which is always good.
- Is there any contact tracing going on in Mendocino County? Our numbers have gotten so high that the county’s capacity to contact trace everyone is being overwhelmed. We do not have enough staffing to trace everyone who gets COVID.
- How should we handle our college kid coming home from out of state? He should quarantine for seven days and get a test at optumserv at the end of the seven days. Then he should retest a couple of days later.
- If my son and daughter in law wanted to come up from Los Angeles in an RV and quarantine for seven days, could they come up? LA is overwhelmed with COVID right now, so traveling does put others at risk. It is recommended that the get tested in LA and upon arrival here and quarantine as well.
- The risk of catching COVID from being outdoors around people who are unmasked is relatively low.
Mendocino County Numbers for 12-4-20
Total cases: 1671
New cases: 39
Active cases: approx. 264
Pending Tests: 1580+
4.2% positivity rate
22 per 100,000
Deaths: 23
Mendocino Covid-19 Call Center: 707-472-2759
Testing:
Optumserv: Ukiah at the fairgrounds 7am to 7pm, seven days a week. Walk ins OK. Free. Website: https://lhi.care/covidtesting
Fort Bragg Mobile OptumServ Testing: 12/8 at the Vets Hall, time TBD
South Coast Testing: December 11, time and place TBD, check www.mendocinocounty.org/covid
Call
- Can 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.
Mendocino County Numbers for 11-30-20
Total cases: 1632
New cases: 52 (since Monday)
Active cases: 225
In Quarantine: 398
Pending Tests: 1580+
Hospitalization: 9
4.2% positivity rate
22 per 100,000
Deaths: 23
Mendocino Covid-19 Call Center: 707-472-2759
Testing:
Optumserv: Ukiah at the fairgrounds 7am to 7pm, seven days a week. Walk ins OK. Free. Website: https://lhi.care/covidtesting
Calls:
- What does it mean to have an overwhelmed healthcare system? It would mean that we don’t have any more ICU or hospital beds, which leads to worse outcomes.
- Have we started bringing COVID patients into this county? Possibly a couple, but there is not a large influx of COVID patients into our county. As long as we have capacity and another hospital doesn’t have capacity, we are required to accept patients from them.
- Could we have a more positive theme song and where does Dr.Drew Colfax come from? We’ll consider changing the theme song when the curve improves and Dr. Drew Colfax is from “West” Boonville.
Mendocino County Numbers for 11-30-20
Total cases: 1580
Active cases: near 190
In Quarantine: 328
Pending Tests: 1580+
Hospitalization: 7
4.1% positivity rate
17 per 100,000
Deaths: 23
Mendocino Covid-19 Call Center: 707-472-2759
Testing:
Optumserv: Ukiah at the fairgrounds 7am to 7pm, seven days a week. Walk ins OK. Free. Website: https://lhi.care/covidtesting
Calls
- What do we know about immunity after an asymptomatic infection? The chances of getting reinfected are low, but it is still possible. If you get Covid a second time you are not likely to become seriously ill.
- What is the most accurate test available for people who don’t have any symptoms? Optumserv offers accurate PCR testing, as well as the Ukiah and Coast Adventist Hospitals. The Abbott Rapid Test Machine at Bechtel Creek Clinic in Willits is not nearly as accurate.
- How long should one quarantine if traveling to visit a loved one? That depends on the risk level of both individuals. Seven day quarantine after a negative test is recommended.
- What is the protocol for mask wearing when walking with friends outside? The first thing to do would be to make sure everyone in the group is on the same page, the next most helpful thing would be to stand as far apart as possible. If you need to stay within six feet of your friends, you should wear a mask.
- What is the deal with Comorbidities? Why do some people die and others don’t? Covid doubles your risk of dying if contracted. If you are older and therefore more at risk of dying in general, Covid will double that already high risk of death. There are other conditions that increase the risk of death from Covid, including heart conditions, dialysis patients, and high blood pressure. Obesity has become less of a comorbidity, but is still associated with poor outcomes.
- What are the risks of the Covid vaccine? Getting sick from immunizations is very rare. The risk is never zero but it is less of a risk than the illnesses vaccines prevent.
- How can the county spend millions on a hotel for the homeless but not provide testing for the area? The lack of testing is less of a county issue and more of a national and state issue. Giving rooms to the homeless to properly quarantine before the results of a Covid test and helps control the spread of the virus.
Mendocino County Numbers for 11-23-20
Total cases: 1424
Pending Tests: 1400+
Hospitalization: 7
3.95% positivity rate
8.6 per 100,000
Deaths: 22
Mendocino Covid-19 Call Center: 707-472-2759
Testing:
Optumserv: Ukiah at the fairgrounds 7am to 7pm, Sunday to Thursdays. No appt. Needed. Free. Website: https://lhi.care/covidtesting
Calls:
- How will we know what vaccines are better and the differences between them? We don’t quite know that yet, a lot of testing is still going on. Distribution is something that is different for each vaccine and the government is currently working on a plan to get it out to everybody who needs it.
- A recommendation to listen to Democracy Now! Today. Denial seems to be the national disease. When will testing be available on the south coast? A mobile testing unit is being worked on for the south coast right now, may not be ready for several weeks due to bureaucracy.
- Since we don’t really know how immune people are after they contract the virus, how will we know how effective the vaccine is? Does the new police patrol cars flying the confederate/thin blue line flag mean they won’t do anything to enforce COVID guidelines? Getting COVID causes a high level of immunity afterwards in the patient, which means we can infer that the vaccine would provide a high level of immunity as well.
- How does the intranasal vaccine work? There is currently not an international vaccine that has been proven to work. Other countries are working on them.
- Could you explain the viral vector method? They work by tricking the virus into making protein fragments that replicate the spiky covid proteins that are on the outside of the Covid-19 virus, so we can develop antibodies against the virus without ever actually having it in the vaccine inteself.
Mendocino County Numbers for 11-20-20
Total cases: 1368
Pending Tests: 1260+
Hospitalization: 10 (1 ICU)
6.5 per 100,000 per day
3.75% positivity rate
Deaths: 22
Mendocino Covid-19 Call Center: 707-472-2759
Testing:
Optumserv: Ukiah at the fairgrounds 7am to 7pm, Sunday to Thursdays. No appt. Needed. Free. Website: https://lhi.care/covidtesting
Outbreak testing in Fort Bragg: Saturday November 21st, 9:30am-12:30pm, Mendocino Coast Clinic 205 South Street, Fort Bragg. Get tested if you have a connection to Noyo Harbor Inn within the last 2 weeks. Free.
Drive Through Flu Clinic in Ukiah Saturday: 8am-12pm at Public Health, 1120 S. Dora Street, Ukiah. Free.
Calls:
- Are there two day covid tests like dodger stadium? The new contract for testing with the State is supposed to include 1-2 day results.
- Why can’t we use a normal immunization instead of the mRNA vaccine that is difficult to distribute?
- Would taking a smaller dose of the COVID vaccine reduce symptoms? We don’t know yet, they are still researching the vaccine.
- Do they only let you know if you’re positive at Opstumserv? No they will let you know if you are negative too
Mendocino County Numbers for 11-18-20
Total cases: 1311
New cases: 25 (last 48 hours)
Pending tests: 1200
Hospitalization: 8
10 per 100,000 per day
3.87% positivity rate
Deaths: 22
Testing:
Optumserv: Ukiah at the fairgrounds 7am to 7pm, Sunday to Thursdays. No appt. Needed. Free
Calls:
- What do you think about the new at home rapid test? It's a great idea and product; it is a little expensive at $50 but the more people that get tested, the better. It’s less reliable than the hospital’s PCR test, but probably at least as reliable as the Abbot rapid test.
- Is there a one hour turn around on private tests in this county? Where can we get those tests? There are no private testing centers, but the hospitals are able to get test results in 90 minutes. Unfortunately a fee is involved when you go to the hospital.
- What do you think about the study that shows that there is a mouthwash that can kill the COVID virus in 30 seconds? Normal mouthwashes do not kill the viruses. However, there are sprays and solutions that can be taken that will block the uptake of the virus. They are all still in early testing phases.
- How do they control the exposure that people get after taking the vaccine for the testing trials? They don’t. They people in the trails were just sent home and then intensely monitored for infection.
- How will the holiday shopping season be handled after Thanksgiving? The county can enforce social distancing, but it would be smart to stay away from black Friday crowds.
Mendocino County Numbers for 11-16-20
Total cases: 1307
6.5 per 100,000 per day
3.8% positivity rate
Deaths: 22
Testing:
Optumserv: Ukiah at the fairgrounds 7am to 7pm, Sunday to Thursdays. No appt. Needed. Free
Calls
- How do we know this vaccine is going to be safe? Each vaccine trial has 30-40 thousand people in them. They are testing not only for efficacy but side effects as well. Most people do not experience severe or serious side effects.
- Does supplemental oxygen as a treatment for COVID-19 affect one's speech and state of mind? The virus is known to affect cognitive function in some individuals, so this could be the case, especially since the patient is older.
- Will we develop a tolerance to the vaccine like we do with drugs? No, you don’t develop tolerances towards vaccines
- There is a new study showing a correlation with being a dog owner and coming down positive with COVID-19, especially people who go out in public with their animals.
Mendocino County Numbers for 11-13-20
Total cases: 1269
New cases: 27
Pending Tests: 1260+
Hospitalization: 10 (1 ICU)
6.5 per 100,000 per day
3.75% positivity rate
Deaths: 22
Testing:
Optumserv: Ukiah at the fairgrounds 7am to 7pm, Sunday to Thursdays. No appt. Needed. Free. Website: https://lhi.care/covidtesting
Calls:
- What is the distribution of the 28 new cases throughout the county? 27 cases were in the Ukiah area, and one was on the North Coast. A majority of these cases were close contact.
- Advice of grocery shopping? Mask up and stay distant from others. Try to consolidate shopping to one trip a week or less.
- 1 out of every 69 people are infected in the country and roughly 1 out of every 57 people who have contracted covid have died.
Mendocino County Numbers for 11-09-20
Total cases: 1242
New cases: 11
Pending Tests: 1260+
Hospitalization: 10 (1 ICU)
6.5 per 100,000 per day
3.75% positivity rate
Deaths: 22
Testing:
Mendocino Coast Clinics: testing weekly through November 15 call 964-1251 for an appt.
Anderson Valley Health Center: testing weekly through November 15, Thursday 9am-10:30, Anderson Valley HS Parking Lot
Optumserv: Ukiah at the fairgrounds 7am to 7pm, Sunday to Thursdays. No appt. Needed. Free
Calls:
- What does it mean to quarantine? You should be walled off from the rest of society for 14 days.
- The new vaccine needing to be kept at below 80 degrees celsius limits the distribution of this virus.
- If we had started masking and social distancing in February what would our death count be now? California actually started pretty early compared to other states, and it is suspected that this decision saved 100,000 lives in the state. It's very hard to predict accurate numbers for the entire country.
- What is the availability and turn around for testing in the county? Optumserve is still up and running in Ukiah. Health centers in the county will soon lose their allotment of tests that are normally sent to UCSF.
- Is it true that 1 in 32 people have either had COVID-19 or are currently infected? Yes.
Mendocino County Numbers for 11-09-20
Total cases: 1231
Pending Tests: 1300+
Hospitalization: 4
6.5 per 100,000 per day
3.75% positivity rate
Testing:
Mendocino Coast Clinics: testing weekly through November 15 call 964-1251 for an appt.
Anderson Valley Health Center: testing weekly through November 15, Thursday 9am-10:30, Anderson Valley HS Parking Lot
Optumserv: Ukiah at the fairgrounds 7am to 7pm, Sunday to Thursdays. No appt. Needed. Free
Calls:
- Can hospitals give you a pneumonia shot without permission? No.
- Have you seen COVID manifest on skin? Occasionally people with COVID-19 will develop a viral rash. There has been one doctor locally who has seen a patient with the purple rash associated with “Covid toes.”
- Was the virus released to control overpopulation? No, a virus can’t have a target or a goal, it just wants to replicate its RNA.
- How immediate could we see a change in our administration's handling of COVID-19 now that Biden is President elect? Our current administration is still in charge for a couple more months and a vaccine will take a while to fully distribute. A national COVID policy is anticipated towards the end of January.
Mendocino County Numbers for 11-2-20
Total cases: 1213
Hospitalization: 2
3.7% positivity rate
Testing:
Mendocino Coast Clinics: testing weekly through November 15 call 964-1251 for an appt.
Anderson Valley Health Center: testing weekly through November 15, Thursday 9am-10:30, Anderson Valley HS Parking Lot
Optumserv: Ukiah at the fairgrounds 7am to 7pm, Sunday to Thursdays. No appt. Needed. Free
Calls
- What is the virus load? The virus load is based on how exposed you are to the virus and represents how much of the body is in your body.
- Will it show up on a test if you were exposed to covid and tested directly after?
- Would you recommend a flu shot to someone with an autoimmune disease and is hair loss a symptom of COVID-19? Yes we recommend people with autoimmune diseases get flu shots and hair loss is an unofficial symptom of COVID due to the stress.
- Is there a shortage for high dosage flu shots that are safe for seniors? Would low dose shots be a good replacement? Yes, get low dosage flu shots and there has been a shortage for high dose flu vaccines.
Mendocino County Numbers for 11-2-20
Total cases: 1176
Current cases: 48
Pending Tests: 1264
Hospitalization: 3
3.78% positivity rate
Testing:
Mendocino Coast Clinics: testing weekly through November 15 call 964-1251 for an appt.
Anderson Valley Health Center: testing weekly through November 15, Thursday 9am-10:30, Anderson Valley HS Parking Lot
Optumserv: Ukiah at the fairgrounds 7am to 7pm, Sunday to Thursdays. No appt. Needed. Free
Calls:
- The shutting down of social services, the library, and the career center is negatively affecting marginalized communities.
- Why is there not more contact tracing and focus on who may or may not be infected? We don't have the resources; treat everybody like they are infected.
- Have there been any reports of contaminated COVID-19 test? No.
- What will be the tipping point for us starting to take the pandemic more seriously and making better decisions? We need national standards on masking, social distancing and we need coherent supply chains, so that when the vaccine roles out it will work as intended and be distributed well.
- How is COVID-19 a vascular disease? It can cause blood clots and strokes
Mendocino County Numbers for 10-30-20
Current cases: 40
Pending Tests: 1200
Hospitalization: 4
3.78% positivity rate
Testing:
Mendocino Coast Clinics: testing weekly through November 15. Call 964-1251 for an appt.
Anderson Valley Health Center: testing weekly through tNovember 15, Thursday 9am-10:30, Anderson Valley HS Parking Lot
Optumserv: Ukiah at the fairgrounds 7am to 7pm, Sunday to Thursdays. No appt. Needed. Free
Calls:
- Do you need to wear a mask if you’re outside? If you are outside and alone, masks are not needed, but if you are going to cross paths with someone then you should move across the street or put your mask on.
- Where can you get tested in Anderson Valley? The UCSF program in Anderson Valley is coming to a close on November 15 but there are new options in the works.
- What assistance will be going to the homeless population? There are two homeless shelters up and running right now and they are both following the appropriate precautions for COVID-19.
- Can you wash paper masks? Many can be washed while retaining their protective ability. Cloth masks should be washed every day.
- How far can we travel now that we're in the red tier? Traveling restrictions have never been a mandate, but rather a recommendation.
Mendocino County Numbers for 10-28-20
Current cases: 40
Pending Tests: 1200
Hospitalization: 4
3.78% positivity rate
Testing:
Mendocino Coast Clinics: testing weekly through the end of the month call 964-1251 for an appt.
Anderson Valley Health Center: testing weekly through the end of the month, Thursday 9am-10:30, Anderson Valley HS Parking Lot
Optumserv: Ukiah at the fairgrounds 7am to 7pm, Sunday to Thursdays. No appt. Needed. Free
Calls:
- Is there testing in Willits? How do populations affect positivity rates and the severity of COVID in our area? Scientists are looking at the positivity rate of the tests we do take,generally the more tests we conduct the lower the positivity rate is. The swells and clusters of positive cases are normally apparent in the daily positive tests. Being in a rural county definitely makes our statistics a lot different than a city.
Mendocino County Numbers for 10-26-20
Current cases: 1139
New cases: 18
Pending Tests: 1200
Hospitalization: 1
145 tests run per day
5.29 per 100,000
3.77% positivity rate
Testing:
Mendocino Coast Clinics: testing weekly through the end of the month call 964-1251 for an appt.
Anderson Valley Health Center: testing weekly through the end of the month, Thursday 9am-10:30, Anderson Valley HS Parking Lot
Optumserv: Ukiah at the fairgrounds 7am to 7pm, Sunday to Thursdays. No appt. Needed. Free
Calls:
- Where can we get testing on the south coast once UCSF stops providing testing for the county? How can people who don't have a computer make an appointment to get testing at RMS?
- What are the non-medicinal approaches to treating COVID? Keeping covid patients very dry so their lungs don’t fill up with fluid, rotating patients bodies,
- Should I wear a construction n95 or a surgical mask if I have both available? Oly wear the construction ones when you aren't around anybody else, they have a valve that would allow the virus to get out of the mask.
- How will covid procedures affect this fall’s flu season? Tasking covid precautions will hopefully help us avoid a flu season like it did in the spring.
Mendocino County Numbers for 10-23-20
Current cases: 1121
6.71 per 100,000
3.73% positivity rate
Testing:
Mendocino Coast Clinics: testing weekly through the end of the year call 964-1251 for an appt. Anderson Valley Health Center: testing weekly through the end of the year, Thursdays 9am-10:30, Anderson Valley HS Parking Lot
Optumserv: Ukiah at the fairgrounds 7am to 7pm, Sunday to Thursdays. No appt. Needed. Free
Point arena: this Saturday 9:30 to 200
205 south street Fort Bragg next Tuesday 9:30-12
Calls
- Would it be possible to provide some sort of certificate or seal of approval for businesses that follow COVID-19 guidelines correctly? That is a very good idea.
- How long is Optumserv staying in our county and can at risk people wear a face shield without a mask underneath? Optumserv is staying through the end of November and a mask should be worn under the face shield, but it is not included in the county order.
Mendocino County Numbers for 10-21-20
Current cases: 1111
New cases: 8
Pending Tests: 1263
Hospitalization: 2
120 tests run per day
5.29 per 100,000
3.7% positivity rate
Testing:
Mendocino Coast Clinics: testing weekly through the end of the year call 964-1251 for an appt. Anderson Valley Health Center: testing weekly through the end of the year, Thursdays 9am-10:30, Anderson Valley HS Parking Lot
Optumserv: Ukiah at the fairgrounds 7am to 7pm, Sunday to Thursdays. No appt. Needed. Free
Calls
- A teacher at a local preschool came down with covid on Monday, should the kids she was teaching on Friday be put into quarantine? The kids from her Friday classroom should be fine, as long as she only started feeling symptoms on Monday.
- What color level does the county need to be in, in order for the star swimming center to reopen? Red.
- One of the biggest issues with our handling of the pandemic has been the availability and speed of COVID-19 testing, this caller said he received his positive results two weeks after being tested.
In today's show Dr. Drew Colfax runs the local Coronavirus numbers and talks about the reality of a COVID-19 vaccine. He also answers listener questions about outdoor gatherings, high dosage flu shots, and how COVID-19 can affect your skin.
Today Dr. Andy Coren talks about Mendocino county moving from a purple zone to a red zone- and answers questions from callers about social gatherings and identifying super spreaders.
Mendocino County Numbers for 10-09-20
Current cases: 1030
8.57 per 100,000
Testing:
Mendocino Coast Clinics: testing weekly through the end of the year call 964-1251 for an appt. Anderson Valley Health Center: testing weekly through the end of the year, Thursdays 9am-10:30, Anderson Valley HS Parking Lot
Optumserv: Ukiah at the fairgrounds 7am to 7pm, Sunday to Thursdays. No appt. Needed. Free
Gualala: Saturday 10am-6pm. RCMS Gualala Clinic triage tent. Appointment needed. RCMS website www.rcms-healthcare.org, click ‘get tested’
Point Arena:
Saturday, October 10, 2020 9:30 AM – 2:00 PM no appointment necessary
Manchester Point Arena Clinic at 10A Mamie Laiwa Road, Point Arena
Testing conducted by AB Med
Sunday, October 11, 2020 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM no appointment necessary
Point Arena Veterans Hall at 451 School Street, Point Arena
Testing conducted by MCPH
County Call Center: (707) 472-2759
Calls:
- If we wear masks and stay isolated will the virus die out? Has there ever been a vaccine for a coronavirus in the past? Even if the case numbers go down, the virus will most likely not die out. We are hoping to get case numbers low enough through social distancing and vaccination so that we can develop herd immunity. Vaccines were being developed for past coronaviruses, but the technology is vastly improved today even than it was 3-4 years ago.
- How did they deal with the similar virus outbreak that happened 100 years ago? They dealt with it in basically the same way that we are now, the main difference was that they didn’t have the same type of communication that we do now, and they didn’t have the same type of masking knowledge.
- How is the county addressing those who refuse to comply with health and isolation regulations, especially those who need to go out in public for work? If people are ordered into isolation or quarantine, the county assides aid to them such as meals, personal needs, and a secure location to isolate if they are not able to do so at home. There is not an overwhelming group of people who refuse to comply.
- How can consumers be sure that the COVID-19 vaccine will be safe? These vaccines will only be given to healthy people who can handle the injection. However, we do know that some people are more prone to getting seizures after receiving any type of vaccine. While there is an infinitesimal risk of a bad reaction from a vaccine, the health risks from not vaccinating are much worse.
Mendocino County Numbers for 10-7-20
Current cases: 1021
New cases:16
Hospitalized: 5
Deaths: 21
Pending tests: 1000+
150 tests processed per day
10 cases per 100,000
3.8 positivity rate
Testing:
Mendocino Coast Clinics: testing weekly through the end of the year call 964-1251 for an appt. Anderson Valley Health Center: testing weekly through the end of the year, Thursdays 9am-10:30, Anderson Valley HS Parking Lot
Optumserv: Ukiah at the fairgrounds 7am to 7pm, Sunday to Thursdays. No appt. Needed. Free
Round Valley: Free anonymous testing this Friday, Oct 8th. 3-7pm at the Round Valley Indian Tribal Emergency Operations Center, 24281 Riffe Road. OPEN TO ALL.
Gualala: Saturday 10am-6pm. RCMS Gualala Clinic triage tent. Appointment needed. RCMS website www.rcms-healthcare.org, click ‘get tested’
Calls:
- If someone knows they have been exposed COVID-19 what should they do? If someone is exposed to COVID-19 they need to quarantine, get at least two negative test results and reach out to contact tracing.
- Could 5 or 6 family members celebrate thanksgiving safely together? It's best to assess everybody's risk level. If there are any high risk people in that group there isn't really a safe way to gather except for completely isolating and quarantining for two weeks.
- Can asymptomatic individuals develop any long term effects from COVID-19? It is very unlikely that those who are asymptomatic will develop any long lasting issues.
Mendocino County Numbers for 10-5-20
Current cases: 1005
New cases: 51
Pending Tests: 1076
Hospitalization: 7
3.73 positivity rate
150 tests run per day
13 per 100,000
Active cases: 124
Testing:
Mendocino Coast Clinics: testing weekly through the end of the year call 964-1251 for an appt. Anderson Valley Health Center: testing weekly through the end of the year, Thursdays 9am-10:30, Anderson Valley HS Parking Lot
Optumserv: Ukiah at the fairgrounds 7am to 7pm, Sunday to Thursdays. No appt. Needed. Free
Mendocino County COVID Numbers for 10-2-2020:
Current cases: 971
New cases: 17
Hospitalized: 9
Active cases: 115
12.86 per 100,000
Testing:
- 9:30 Saturday morning 10/3 at Point Arena Veterans Hall
- Mendocino Coast Clinics: testing weekly through the end of the year call 964-1251 for an appt.
- Anderson Valley Health Center: testing weekly through the end of the year, Thursdays 9am-10:30, Anderson Valley HS Parking Lot
- Optumserv: Ukiah at the fairgrounds 7am to 7pm, Sunday to Thursdays. No appt. Needed. Free.
New announcements:
- Outbreaks in Covelo (two in workplaces) and Point Arena
Calls:
- Point Arena’s outbreak testing from last weekend is being re-done this Saturday at 9:30am, due to samples being left out overnight. The left out samples were only from the outbreak testing at the Point Arena Vets Hall on 9/26, not RCMS or any other testing site in the area.
- Why is saliva test not readily available and how is it different to a nasal swab? The tests we have available were provided by the state and UCSF. The saliva swab is a new type of test and we just don't have it available yet. You can get purchase it yourself from an array of companies
- Saliva tests may not be very reliable.
- What are the issues with kids not wearing masks? Kids not wearing masks is more likely going to harm people around them, more than it will actually harm the kids itself. It is also difficult to make a kid keep a mask on when they are really young.
Mendocino County Numbers for 9-30-20
Current cases: 954
New cases: 20
Pending Tests: 1031
Hospitalization: 7
3.4 positivity rate
150 tests run per day
11.6 per 100,000
Testing:
Mendocino Coast Clinics: testing weekly through the end of the year call 964-1251 for an appt. Anderson Valley Health Center: testing weekly through the end of the year, Thursdays 9am-10:30, Anderson Valley HS Parking Lot
Laytonville Long Valley Health Center: 8-11 am this Friday, Oct 2. 50 Branscomb Road, call 984 6131 for more info
Optumserv: Ukiah at the fairgrounds 7am to 7pm, Sunday to Thursdays. No appt. Needed. Free.
New Announcements:
- New study has found that children can spread the virus
Calls:
- Is it okay for kids to be unmasked when hanging out outside of school? If they are outside and socially distanced a mask is not required but if they want to be in a group, closer together, they should be wearing one.
- Kitchen staff were seen not wearing masks in a local restaurant.
- How does COVID-19 affect people with multiple sclerosis? While MS itself has not been proven to increase risk to COVID-19, the medical issues it can cause can make you more vulnerable to the virus
- How are Cal Firefighters who show symptoms of COVID-19 dealt with in our county? They are advised to isolate until their test results come back and are counted as cases in their home counties, not in Mendocino county, if they do end up testing positive.
- What makes it possible for us to find a vaccine for COVID-19 considering the AIDS epidemic has gone decades without any progress towards its own? The HIV virus is able to rearrange its outer protein shell, which prevents an effective immune response. However, the COVID virus holds a very stable shape.
- Why do COVID test results take so long and what is the safest way to travel? The safest way to travel right now is driving and the testing process has been sped up but they often wait a couple of days before contacting people in order to avoid any bad tests.
Mendocino County COVID Numbers for 9-28-2020:
Current Cases: 934
New cases 47
Pending tests: 1,067
Hospitalized: 8
3.4 % positivity
14 per 100,000
Testing
Mendocino Coast Clinics: testing weekly through the end of the year call 964-1251 for an appt. Anderson Valley Health Center: testing weekly through the end of the year, Thursdays 9am-10:30, Anderson Valley HS Parking Lot
Laytonville Long Valley Health Center: 8-11 am this Friday 50 Branscomb Road, call 984 6131 for more info
Listener Calls:
- Thoughts on the underrepresentation of COVID-19 cases and deaths across the globe.
- What can Mendocino County learn from the bay area's reaction to COVID-19 and is it possible for us to develop air purifiers that could filter out the coronavirus from the air? Mendocino County has been following a very similar path as San Francisco in regards to handling COVID-19.
- Thoughts on the 15 minute COVID test announced by the president and what COVID 19 attacking the nose first means for people who wear their masks below their nose? We need widespread testing as soon as possible but nothing with the 15 minute test is a “done-deal” yet. It is very important to wear your mask over your nose as it is very vulnerable to the virus.
- What are some reasons why relying on herd immunity isn’t such a good idea? Herd immunity requires 70% of the population to be exposed and develop an immune response. This would mean that 500-1400 people would need to die in order for Mendocino County to reach herd immunity.
Mendocino County Numbers
Current cases: 889
Hospitalized: 6
Round Valley outbreak
10 positive cases
17 households
51 contact cases identified
A small cluster of new cases in Point Arena was also discovered this week
Testing
++ COVID-19 Outbreak Screening in Point Arena on September 26
Date: September 26, 2020
Time: 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Location: Point Arena Veterans Memorial Building/City Hall, 451 School Street in Point Arena
++ COVID-19 Asymptomatic Testing in Gualala on September 27
As a reminder, Redwood Coast Medical Services (RCMS) will also be hosting a COVID-19 screening event on Sunday.
Date: September 27, 2020
Time: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Location: RCMS Gualala Clinic Upper parking lot at 46900 Ocean Drive in Gualala.
++Anonymous COVID-19 Testing at Round Valley High School
9/27/20 @ RVHS Gym
9:30am - 12:00pm
NEW COVID CALL CENTER NUMBER
(707)- 472-2759
www.kzyx.org
Mendocino County COVID Numbers for 9-23-2020:
Current cases: 887
New cases: 36
Hospitalized: 7
Pending tests: 1019
13 cases per 100,000
How the supreme court replacement will impact public healthcare and welfare.
Testing:
Optumserve in Ukiah, https://lhi.care/start
Weekly testing in Anderson Valley 9-11 at AVHS, no appt. Needed
Redwood Coast Medical Services on September 27 in Gualala
Mendocino Coast Clinics on Wednesdays and Thursdays through September 30th. Call 964-1251 for appt.
New Announcements:
- Face shields don’t work!
- The CDC is confused
- Remember to fill out the 2020 census
Calls:
- Do we need to be testing the effectiveness of our masks? It is better to go for a real mask instead of bandannas and neck-gaiters but it matters most that you keep it over your nose and mouth, not what type of mask it is. How to get the most out of your mask.
- Can the virus live in water? COVID can survive in water and can't multiply in water, nobody is really contracting it through water. Do you still need to wear a mask even if you're seven feet or more apart? Not in indoor or public spaces, but if you're outside and socially distant you could theoretically take it off.
- Can older people with COVID still be asymptomatic? It is more likely for older people to become symptomatic but they can definitely be asymptomatic. Even among people who are more at risk, the majority of people who contract the virus will remain asymptomatic.
- Should we be washing surgical masks? It's better to let them sit for 3 days, as washing them can degrade their effectiveness.
- How reliable are the studies on masks? Whether or not to wear masks is a political issue, not a scientific issue. We have many studies proving that masks are effective and needed.
- How much of a coincidence is it that minorities are being affected the most by COVID-19 under our current administration?
Dr. Drew Colfax answers questions about vaccination during flu season, traveling to Santa Rosa, and what to do with your groceries when you get home.