3-27 Update: Please note that unfortunately these stats will increase. See article published 3-27 and future stories for additional cases.

Inyo County now has two confirmed positive COVID-19 cases (March 26, 2020)

coronavirus test positive

Test tube with blood sample positive SARS coronavirus, 3D rendering

Inyo County’s Public Health Officer, Dr. James Richardson, has received two notifications over the past three days from the Northern Inyo Hospital District that they had received a positive COVID-19 tests for Inyo County residents.

The first patient showed up at the Healthcare District’s Rural Healthcare Clinic with symptoms associated with COVID-19 and was tested for COVID-19 based on symptoms and other risk-factors. Little is known about the second patient other than that they showed up at the Rural Healthcare Clinic with symptoms associated with COVID-19 and was tested for COVID-19 based on symptoms and other risk-factors.

Inyo County Public Health is conducting a thorough investigations to identify potential exposures and notify contacts. At this time the first patient is currently isolated at home.

As of Wednesday, March 25th, NIHD currently has 29 COVID-19 tests pending, and Toiyabe Indian Healthcare Project has 2 COVID-19 tests pending.

Due to the volume of tests being analyzed currently in California, the turnaround time can take several days.

Dr. Richardson says, “At this time, it is essential that proactive preventive measures remain a priority to everyone in order to reduce potential exposure risks.”

He went on to say, “Inyo County residents have a responsibility to themselves, their families, and others to remain home and only leave for essential purposes.”

On March 20th, in an effort to limit the spread of COVID-19, Governor Gavin Newson ordered California residents to stay home.

Later on, that same day, a County Public Health Order was released prohibiting non-essential public gatherings, closure and limitations of certain businesses, and required social distancing measures.

Public Health Officials want to remind the public that we must continue to practice appropriate preventative measures, such as avoiding contact with sick individuals, wash hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, practicing social distancing, and follow State and County Orders.

If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, such as fever, coughing or shortness of breath, and think you may have had contact with a person with COVID-19, call your health care provider before seeking medical care so that appropriate precautions can be taken.

The County of Inyo, Northern Inyo Hospital, and Unified Command partners are committed to keeping Inyo County residents up to date with the most accurate information.

You are encouraged to visit https://www.inyocounty.us/covid-19 for the most recent press releases and community updates.

 

 

Discover more from Sierra Wave: Eastern Sierra News

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading