Hayfork Area Resident Tests Positive for COVID, Says Trinity County

Press release from Trinity County:

This morning, July 21, 2020, Trinity County Public Health Branch (TCPHB) received lab confirmation of a symptomatic individual that tested positive for COVID- 19 residing in the Hayfork area of Trinity County. The testing was conducted in a healthcare facility in Humboldt County.

The TCPHB COVID-19 Surveillance and Control Team (SCT) is currently conducting case investigations to identify exposed individuals. Close contacts and other exposed persons will be quarantined and monitored for symptoms by PHB-SCT.

Contact tracing is dependent on the accuracy of information provided by any individual testing positive and it can be challenging to identify all areas of the community that an individual may have visited and whether or not a face covering was worn. In an abundance of caution, we recommend that Hayfork area residents obtain testing through the Verily testing site or another testing resource and continue to emphasize the need to practice social distancing of at least 6 feet, frequent hand washing and sanitizing surfaces, and wear a face covering when out in public.

As we learn more about this virus on an almost daily basis, evidence is emerging on the importance of face coverings as an essential protection from the spread of coronavirus between persons. More information regarding the value of face covering in the prevention of COVID-19 spread can be found at the following links:

https://www.ucsf.edu/news/2020/06/417906/still-confused-about-masks-heres-science-behind- how-face-masks-prevent

https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2020/p0714-americans-to-wear-masks.html

Testing resources for all Trinity County residents:

The Verily drive-thru testing will be offered in Hayfork on Friday July 24, 2020 at the Trinity County Fairgrounds 6000 State HWY 3 from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. This is a free testing service, and its purpose is to protect the public health and safety of our communities by allowing for increased surveillance of disease activity in Trinity County and ensure broad access to testing for residents of Trinity County. Eligibility for free testing is as follows:

• Persons must be 18 years of age or older

• Must electronically complete the Screening Form

• Sign the COVID-19 Public Health Authorization form and Lab consent All client information is kept confidential under the law.

For those who do not have online access, or who need help completing the registration process, please contact the Mobile Testing TCPHB Help Line at (530) 623-8235 and someone will return your call to assist you in completing registration and scheduling an appointment. There are also staff on site to assist with registration as well.

Additionally, since Verily does not test those under the age of 18 years, COVID-19 testing is available for this population as well as adults through the OptumServe site in Redding and Trinity County primary care clinics. For more information on testing availability please contact your healthcare provider or visit www.covid19.ca.gov/testing-and-treatment to find a testing site meeting your needs.

For local information and statistics or to find additional resources visit www.trinitycounty.org.