LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Lake County’s Public Health officer said Friday that COVID-19 cases continue to surge and there is a huge demand for the vaccine locally.
In a Friday update, Dr. Gary Pace reported, “We continue to see a huge surge of cases in Lake County, our highest rate ever. The hospitals are feeling the stress, but keeping patient flow moving and maintaining a high standard of care.”
He added, “This is probably the worst phase of the pandemic, and we don't know how long it will last.”
As of Friday, Lake County had 2,656 total COVID-19 cases and 32 deaths.
Pace urged county residents to stay home as much as possible, wear masks and stay distant. “This is the most crucial time to take extra precautions.”
To date, more than 2,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered in Lake County, Pace said.
He said vaccine distribution around California is managed by the State Department of Public Health, with the small amount coming into California is allocated to each county, based on population.
“We have been getting about 400 doses per week over the last month,” Pace said.
Given the strong interest in vaccination, the state set up priority phases so the most vulnerable, and those working with the vulnerable, could get the vaccine first, Pace explained.
Pace said Phase 1a – mainly healthcare and emergency workers – has been generally completed in Lake County.
“In early Phase 1b, we have been focusing on vulnerable elders – the people most likely to die if they get infected – and teachers and school staff so as we open the schools, they can be protected,” Pace said.
Pace said vaccinations are provided through the community medical providers, especially Adventist and Sutter Clinics, which have their own supplies of vaccine, along with other local clinics.
Safeway Pharmacy in Lakeport also received some doses of the Moderna vaccine this week. Pace said they are offering appointments for those eligible Monday through Friday, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and 2 to 5 p.m., starting Monday, Jan. 25. Make an appointment here.
Public Health has begun new vaccine sites. Pace said they are held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays in Lakeport at the Lake County Fairgrounds, 401 Martin St., and Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays at the Clearlake Senior Center, 3245 Bowers Ave.
The clinics are by appointment only, so Pace asked that no one show up without an appointment. He said there are still no appointments generally available to the public.
School personnel will be contacted by their school district when their name comes up on the list. Seniors will be contacted by the senior centers and others helping to contact the most vulnerable.
People from the Phase 1a that did not previously get vaccinated can contact the Health Department to be placed on a list.
“Remember, there is not nearly enough vaccine for everyone that wants it, so patience is important at this time,” Pace said.
He also asked people not to call the senior centers or the school districts, as they have been getting an overwhelming number of calls. “They will reach out as they work through their lists,” Pace said.
“We hope to keep moving forward with getting as much of the community vaccinated as quickly as possible, and are ordering as much supply as we are able,” Pace said. “Hopefully, the supply will improve in the coming weeks. New doses are ordered weekly, and we aim to get vaccine doses out within a week of when we receive them. Getting the most vulnerable people at the front of the line is important. Be patient, we are trying to get the vulnerable elders and specific groups of workers taken care of first.”
Public Health officer reports on COVID-19 case surge, vaccinations
- Lake County News reports
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