COVID Precautions for Inmates Released Here, Optum Delays, COVID in Cannabis Industry and More Discussed During Q&A With Dr. Frankovich

Humboldt County’s Public Health Officer Dr. Teresa Frankovich has been answering questions since the stay-at-home orders were instituted on a two question per media outlet roughly three times a week basis. The Emergency Operations Center takes the questions, and staff reads them on camera for her response. The resulting video, called a Media Availability, is then provided to news outlets at the end of the day.

Here are some of the main points covered in the July 13th Media Availability session with a summary of answers from Dr. Teresa Frankovich, followed by questions we would have liked to ask in response if appropriate.

Media Question: With 26 new cases confirmed just this month, how close is Humboldt County today to the threshold for being on the state’s watch list?

Answer by Dr. Frankovich: 

Well people may be aware that, you know, there are a few factors that go into the monitoring list: the number of cases per 100,000 population, the positivity rate of our cases as well as the state in terms of hospital and ICU beds. So our hospital capacity has been perfectly adequate, so we’re okay on that sector.  We’ve certainly seen an increase in both of our case rate and our positivity rate that is of concern to us locally, but still falls below the state guidelines.

In order for us to to be on the monitoring list, we need to not only have 25 cases per hundred thousand in that time period but we also need to have a positivity rate that is greater than eight percent.  So we have not met those yet, but we’re monitoring that daily and certainly we’ve been concerned about some of the recent trends.

1 mins, 15 sec in: 

Media Question:  With more and more places opening up and people going back to work, can you talk a little bit about what employers are required to do when a case if reported at their workplace. Are they required to notify all employees or just those in direct contact? Does the entire place need to be shut down for cleaning, etc.

Answer by Dr. Frankovich: 

So for every case, it can be a bit different. Typically what happens is, when a case is identified in an employee, then public health (as part of the contact investigation) is speaking with the employer in that setting, as well as the employee, to identify close contacts within that work setting, and then during the infectious period.  And then the investigation goes forward from there.  So in general, businesses are supposed to be doing enhanced routine cleaning and certainly, um, it’s you know, when they do in fact have a case on site often it’s enhanced even further in that setting.  But whether a business needs to actually close to do that really depends on the business itself. In terms of the employer working with other employees and notifying them, again, typically that is led by public health based on what we are seeing as workplace exposure. 

2 mins 25 sec in:  

Media Question:  With local COVID-19 cases going up, why is the call center run by the JIC reducing its hours? What message is the county sending to the community about how big of an issue COVID-19 is when it cuts back on access to having questions answered?

Answer by Dr. Frankovich: 

Well, I think as in most things here, we’re both trying to be proactive and address issues, as well as being you know using our resources wisely.  So, the JIC and looking at the hours when they were receiving the vast majority of calls felt that reducing the hours to those specific time periods made sense.  And then of course if the situation on the ground changes, those hours can be expanded again.  And that’s really how the EOC is structured; to contract and expand as needed. 

3 mins 15 sec in: 

Media Question: Over the past months the media has followed the unfold of the coronavirus, it seems as though news updates have become redundant, how has Humboldt County pushed to receive advanced and diverse data pertaining to effects of the virus in all minorities?

Answer by Dr. Frankovich: 

So, you know, basically we’re trying to respond to the questions that come before us.  And you know, we certainly recently have begun on our dashboard putting race and ethnicity data forward, so that individuals are able to see that.  And also commenting, for instance the disproportionate burden we’re seeing in our Latino community and why we have concerns about that.  I think in terms of follow-up, we and Public Health are able to look at, for instance, hospitalizations in particular groups. However long-term data on follow-up is really in the hands of care providers, as opposed to Public Health.  Certainly, we are monitoring the national and state data about what we’re seeing in long-term health outcomes for minority populations as well as all populations going forward, and are certainly concerned again about the trends that we’re seeing in communities of color.  

4 mins 20 sec in: 

Media Question: Do you research these demographics?

Answer by Dr. Frankovich:  Yes. 

Media Followup questions we’re unable to ask because of the format:  

What does that research entail, and do you have experience or education in epidemiology? Do you have staff you rely on who can provide experience in these areas?

4 mins 30 sec in:   

Media Question:  In order to address the disparity in COVID cases among our Latino and Hispanic community, for the purpose of making health and safety information readily available to those folks, has the JIC or DHHS made use of any Spanish speaking staff members for the purpose of formatting information, or hired a translator to produce information in Spanish, and have you considered providing these media Q&A videos translated for that community? Do you have any suggestions on how media can help get information to that community?

Answer by Dr. Frankovich:

So, you know being able to communicate this information in more than one language is definitely a goal and has been a priority in the JIC and many of our materials have actually been produced in Spanish language. And there’s an FAQ on our site that actually is available in Spanish, as well. 

In addition the J.I.C always has a Spanish-speaking member available for phone calls during its open hours.  In Public Health, we actually are using Spanish speakers for some of our interviewing as well.  And we find that that’s really helpful to sort of make the process easier for the people that we’re speaking with and getting more timely information.

In terms of videos, I believe we’ve worked on having our COVID minutes available in Spanish many of them as well and targeting that but I think reaching out to these communities that are not English speaking is an ongoing challenge, and we welcome assistance from the media in helping to get that information further and further afield.  And certainly we have had contact 

with some organizations serving these communities to try and work on how we could message better.  So you know we actually look forward to really engaging there and seeing if what we can do to improve things. 

 

Staff:  And there’s also a feature that I recently learned about that when you right click on a page you can actually select the For them to translate it and it will bring you to google translate and you can translate it into another language so that is also accessible on our website. 

6 mins 45 sec in:  

Media Question: Has the JIC/DHHS been successful in adding local staff to the Optum Serve COVID-19 testing site at Redwood Acres, and for how much longer do you foresee that resource being available to Humboldt County residents?

Answer by Dr. Frankovich:

So the OptumServe right now is contracted by the state through August 31st.  We don’t know what the plan is on the state’s end at that point, and you know, but we’re certainly not relying on the fact that the state will continue that.  Because of challenges we’ve been seeing with turnaround times with the Optum site, and because of the possibility of the state not being on board after August 31st, we are actively exploring other options- both to try and ensure that we have an ongoing sustainable unit here as well as something that may secure us some really optimal turnaround times, considering the incredible demands being put on the system for that. The EOC does not staff the collection site; that is staffed by Optum itself However, our EOC has been putting in a lot of time supporting that staff and the effort in that testing site.

7 mins 50 sec in:  

Media Question:  At a free testing site in Southern Humboldt, the turnaround time for COVID-19 test results are 8 to 10 days. One community member has reportedly had a complete 14-day quarantine period before getting their test results back.

Answer by Dr. Frankovich: 

I, you know, I completely understand that and we’re certainly hearing from Optum eight to ten days. We’re seeing that not uncommonly. It’s as we’ve talked about before is a huge concern.  It is of very little utility for us in terms of certainly using it for our contact investigations if we cannot get a turnaround time that’s quicker than that, and again, another reason for us to explore other options. I think it’s important for people to understand that you know, these are not, this is not our local challenge per se, this is a national challenge. The shortage in supplies for testing reagents, for testing supplies in terms of specimen collection, has just in light of the massive increase in testing being conducted throughout the country has just overwhelmed capacity.
So while we were sitting pretty about a month ago in terms of really being able to get what we needed out of this system, it’s becoming increasingly challenging and everyone who’s trying to accomplish this work is really um struggling to do so.

9 mins 15 sec in:  

Media Question:  What is causing this delay and should asymptomatic people still obtain a test?  

Answer by Dr. Frankovich: 

We are still asking people to do that at Optum. They certainly are able to, you know, from a capacity standpoint at some point, obviously it will become  increasingly important to use a site such as this to test symptomatic people and people exposed.  For us to be able to do that in a meaningful way, we need a better turnaround time, frankly.  And so what we’re trying to do right now is to really focus on getting symptomatic people tested and sent to our lab internally at the county because we can get a quicker turnaround time. We don’t have infinite capacity so it’s not a long-term solution, but right now we’re trying to do that. 

10 mins in: 

Media Question:  Can you share an estimate of how many positive cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed (residents and non-residents) that are linked to the ‘cannabis community’?

Answer by Dr. Frankovich: 

Well, you know, all I can say is we’ve certainly had a substantial number of cases in cannabis-related industry, and even more importantly, a lot of secondary cases in context of those individuals.  And you know, it’s not particularly surprising.  We know that in places where people you know are working whether it’s agriculture, you know, packing industries other things there are certain risks there and so it’s been a real focus for us in terms of trying to outreach to that community, to assure people that again from a public health standpoint we’re really not concerned about um the specific, you know legality of the grow itself if if that’s the issue, It’s really a concern about making sure we’re getting workers tested and you know, sort of managed appropriately when people are ill as well as trying to ensure that all the best prevention measures are in place, just as we like to do for all sectors.

11 mins 15 sec in:  

Media Question: You mentioned last week that Public Health and the Joint Information Center fielded calls about planned gatherings.  Are you able to confirm whether or not a wedding with hundreds of people took place this weekend in Petrolia?  And if it did, what are some of Public Health’s biggest concerns moving forward?  Do you think we’ll see a spike in cases because of it?

Answer by Dr. Frankovich: 

Well again, I think these gatherings are of huge concern to us. Certainly, what we are seeing in our recent cases is gathering being gatherings being an underpinning of much of the extended cases as well as the initial contact that caused transmission.  And so, you know to me, honestly, the idea of gathering, you know a hundred—right now gatherings of 20 people are not allowed— gatherings of hundreds of people are clearly vastly outside the state and local orders and are frankly illegal.  

And so, you know, I sympathize with the desire to have this bit of normal, but we really just simply cannot function this way, right now, during this pandemic.  What I can tell you is what we’re seeing across the state in terms of the increasing cases I was on a call recently about this, It is not just us seeing this regarding gatherings.  This is being seen across the state.  It has been driving a lot of the numbers that are resulting in increased hospitalizations and ICU admissions.  So you know, our focus is continuing to try and provide that information to people, encourage them to do what is safest for both their guests and the residents of the community- and not hold gatherings of this size.  People need to improvise and do something a bit differently.

I know this is frustrating to people but right now there is no allowance for gatherings of people outside your household unit. All I can tell people is that if they are pulling together a small number of people that are not their household unit the safest way to do that is outdoors. Doing that indoors is really, very unsafe.  Outdoors, socially distanced, is better.  But right now, not gathering outside the whole household unit is the safest thing we can do. 

13 mins 5 sec in: 

Media Question:  Also last week, you had expressed concern about several large weddings that were scheduled to be held over the weekend. Did those weddings go forward? Was the county able to have any impact on their safety procedures? How can people hold a wedding in Humboldt County these days, under the current local and state restrictions?

Answer by Dr. Frankovich: 

Yeah. And I get, it weddings as we traditionally think of them are not an easy thing to do right now.  And so again, it really needs to be you know ideally just a small number of individuals, again, Ideally household unit.  I know that’s not what people have in mind, and then deferring larger celebrations to a time when we can do it. I mean, it will come, it’s just not now.

14 mins 30 sec in:   

Media Question:  Why is the right to protest in a large gathering allowed – but not large gatherings for weddings and funerals?

Answer by Dr. Frankovich: 

Well, I suspect that the rationale there is that, you know, some things are considered constitutionally protected, and weddings and funerals I do not think have that status.  Obviously, we have- for funerals -have made exceptions for people to be able to gather in groups up to 12, I believe, but really trying still to do distancing and really trying to limit exposures of multiple households.

15 mins in:   

Media Question: What enforcement actions do police have at their disposal if the weddings mentioned last week proceed after being warned?

Answer by Dr. Frankovich: 

So again, I’ll defer that to the sheriff.

15 mins 15 sec in:   

Media Question:  Last week Sheriff Honsal voiced concern about inmates being released to Humboldt County from  state prisons without any quarantine procedures.  Can you explain how Public Health is working with the county’s Probation Department to line up temporary housing for these people?  What’s being done to ensure they don’t pose an infection risk to the larger community?

Answer by Dr. Frankovich: 

So, from a Public Health standpoint, you know, it’s hard because the system for doing this on the prison end is being worked out as it’s …having to unfold.  And so I’ve appreciated that they’ve invited a lot of feedback from Public Health about how this can be done most safely, and in fact have established a work group to do that. Right now we are generally being notified if there is someone who has either tested positive, or somebody who has a potential exposure, or is coming from a facility where they’ve had outbreaks.  And so that we can make sort of appropriate decisions about who requires isolation and quarantine, and then working on providing that local housing jointly with Probation in our county, so that people are able to be safe and away, for instance from exposing family members, that type of thing, or other members of the public, and then releasing from isolation or quarantine is appropriate.

In this media availability, Dr. Frankovich deferred some of the questions to Sheriff Honsal, as he was better suited to answer those questions. Sheriff Honsal is not available for a traditional availability this week, but sends along the following answers:

Why is the right to protest in a large gathering allowed – but not large gatherings for weddings and funerals?

Honsal:

The State of California is dictating the rules and Humboldt County is doing its best to respect and follow the guidance from the Governor.

What enforcement actions do police have at their disposal if the weddings mentioned last week proceed after being warned?

Honsal:

The Sheriff’s Office reached out to the wedding parties and spoke with them regarding local COVID-19 orders. One wedding party cited their event as a religious ceremony. The organizers agreed to reduce their guest list and carry out their ceremony abiding by the requirements for the Places of Worship sector.

Also last week, you had expressed concern about several large weddings that were scheduled to be held over the weekend. Did those weddings go forward?

Honsal:

We believe that at least one moved forward, however, we did not get complaints nor confirmed reports about any weddings this past weekend.

Was the county able to have any impact on their safety procedures?

Honsal:

County officials requested that the organizers follow the same protocols as the Places of Worship sector

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Billy Casomorphin
Guest
Billy Casomorphin
3 years ago

In Lake County, the LCOE Superintendent announced last night that because C-19 testing is severely delayed, taking 3 days to get an appointment, and 7-14 days for results, that children will not be able to attend classes for the fall term.

Mama
Guest
Mama
3 years ago

Good ! I can’t imagine the burden on working parents but our children are our future and we need to protect them!

Our teachers too! Thank you teachers!

Guest
Guest
Guest
3 years ago
Reply to  Mama

Remember the value teachers placed on having children in school the next time there is a strike and the union tries shaming the school board by saying they are harming children by forcing the teachers to close schools.

Actually this may end up being a boon to rural people if a system, California or national, is developed for good remote education. It could be a whole new paradigm of few remotely located quality teachers and any number of technicians doing monitiring/evaluation. A virtual charter school?

I like stars
Guest
I like stars
3 years ago
Reply to  Mama

At least some (and I think many) teachers want school to start with students present.

“Distance learning” is not likely to work well for any but the most “privileged” students. Students who pick things up quickly and/or have capable, helpful parents can make it work. Others not so much.

b.
Guest
b.
3 years ago
Reply to  Mama

Two possibilities: Open schools anyway:
https://news.yahoo.com/german-study-finds-no-evidence-164704005.html
or move students outside. Outdoor transmission is about 1000 times less.

Since loud speaking in a crowded room is generally associated with multiple transmission events consider closing the cafeteria as an added precaution.

"Well you know..."
Guest
"Well you know..."
3 years ago

Dr Frankovitch please stop saying “Well you know..”, “So you know…” or even just “You know…” in every other statement you make. The fact is we dont know, and when you start every other statement you make with “Well you know…” it sure seems like you dont either. As an MD and one of the people thats supposed to be leading us please try to speak to us in a more professional and articulate manner and not some “well you know” Valley Girl.

Perspective
Guest
Perspective
3 years ago

LOL! What about Honsels interview last week? He sounded like a stoned kid.

Jesus, Chris
Guest
Jesus, Chris
3 years ago
Reply to  Perspective

So, yeah, I didn’t think of that (hits joint)…

Perspective
Guest
Perspective
3 years ago

“should asymptomatic people still obtain a test?” How would you know if you are asymptomatic?

Guest
Guest
Guest
3 years ago
Reply to  Perspective

By the fact of not having symptoms? Do you mean should people who have been exposed but are not having symptoms still be tested? Actually I don’t suppose that it matters what the question is there will be no meaningful answer.

Mama
Guest
Mama
3 years ago

Could someone translate posts on this site into Spanish? Where do local Latinx people get there news and information ? Has public health investigated this?

Jesus, Chris
Guest
Jesus, Chris
3 years ago
Reply to  Kym Kemp

Gracias, Senora Kemp!

w
Guest
w
3 years ago
Reply to  Mama

It worries me that they are just now realizing websites can be translated into different languages. This feature has been around for awhile.

J
Guest
J
3 years ago

It’s confusing to hear, yeah…

What I think that means:
Asymptomatic doesn’t have to mean you have it. It just means you do not have a physical reason to be tested. It means you have no symptoms, and that includes anyone who does not ACTUALLY have it.

“Asymptomatic Carriers” DO have C-19 and don’t realize it. Since we can’t say who does or doesn’t have it, we have to group the carriers and the noncarriers all under “asymptomatic”

Perspective
Guest
Perspective
3 years ago
Reply to  J

I took asymptomatic as someone who has Covid and no symptoms. Good comment.

researcher
Guest
researcher
3 years ago

I find it hard to understand how a country as great (?) as ours can’t get it together as far as testing goes. First they were faulty. Then they were forever trying to get it right when all we needed to do was use a test kit that worked from another country. Now we have a kit that works but we can’t produce the chemicals needed to make it work. We become more a laughing stock everyday.

Rod Gass
Guest
Rod Gass
3 years ago
Reply to  researcher

I can’t understand it either, until I change my hat.

Capitalism’s reaction to this virus is “show me the money” Somebody has the testing worked out, but the money managers are still slicing-up the pie.

The testing for mass usage is a windfall in profits. Create the need and follow the delivery. It’s on the way, who’s gonna pay $1,500 for a single testor device? Millions will.

Never miss the opportunity that a well-timed pandemic offers.

researcher
Guest
researcher
3 years ago
Reply to  Rod Gass

Yeah, that’s pretty much the case. Wasn’t as bad in the 60s and 70s but then the 80s happened and the motto became ‘it costs whatever I can get you to pay’ and we’ve been off to the races ever since. Don’t see much hope of it changing without intervention of some kind which we most likely have to do with the vaccine, where companies are using taxpayer money (socialism) to make something they will want to charge exorbitant amounts for (capitalism) and when the gov steps in to stop price gauging the makers of the vaccine will scream ‘SOCIALISM…..HELP……THEY’RE ROBBING US BLIND’.

Same as it ever was.

Sars-cov-2
Guest
Sars-cov-2
3 years ago

What a literal mess !
We could start flying tests to China for quicker results 😂 this was meant as a joke but it’s actually true 😂.

Willie Bray
Guest
3 years ago
Reply to  Sars-cov-2

🕯🌳I’ll second that. 🖖🇺🇸

researcher
Guest
researcher
3 years ago
Reply to  Sars-cov-2

Actually it’s funny as a joke because it is true.

Eric Eridani
Guest
Eric Eridani
3 years ago

I wish Dr. Frankovich would take her mask off so those of us with hearing impairments could read her lips because the local channel’s closed captions are inaccurate. She should explain the reason for this and point out that the broadcast crew are maintaining a proper social distance but have the telephoto lens zoomed in on her. The need to share information is more important that “setting an example” or virtue signaling. There is no need to treat us like children.

researcher
Guest
researcher
3 years ago
Reply to  Eric Eridani

I totally co-sign that. I have aphasia and pretty much can only get by by reading lips and this whole mask thing has been hell and this is one instance where they probably don’t really need to as you suggest. I get that they’re trying to set an example but it’s still a bitch for us.

The Real Brian
Guest
The Real Brian
3 years ago
Reply to  researcher
researcher
Guest
researcher
3 years ago
Reply to  The Real Brian

Thats OK TRB. Like Kym says her transcripts do a good job. Aphasia is relatively unknown and it takes forever to make people understand what it’s like so I usually just ride with the punches.

PS. I like the clear face mask. Unfortunately for that to work for me I’d have to make one for everyone else since it’s their lips I’m trying to read.

researcher
Guest
researcher
3 years ago
Reply to  Kym Kemp

You absolutely do Kym. And this is a problem where ever I go, not just trying to watch a video. Masks and lip reading don’t mix.

Faithful
Guest
Faithful
3 years ago

American Association of Surgeons and Physicians petitions the FDA to approve Hydrocloroquine.

https://mailchi.mp/aapsonline/hcq-petition-ford