County health officials expect to finish first tier this week

More than half of the initial doses have been administered in just 3 weeks

LAKE COUNTY >> Late last week, County of Lake Health Department officials announced The number of active COVID-19 cases remains high in the Northern California area, adding that local hospitals are feeling the strain. According to information from Dr. Gary Pace, Lake County health officer, the Bay Area now has less than 10% ICU capacity, and both hospitals in Lake County are at capacity most days. “If you have something serious going on, go to the Emergency Room,” urged Pace adding that for non-emergency issues, residents should try to visit their regular medical provider. Pace also provided an update on the local efforts to roll out a COVID vaccine locally.

At press time Monday, the County website reported a dozen in the hospital, 246 active cases and two additional deaths since last week totalling 27 deaths and 2,194 overall cases since the start of the deadly pandemic.

“With the virus widespread in our communities, you are likely to be in contact with people who are contagious any time you are out in public,” Pace noted, adding people should go to stores early in the morning or late, when the numbers of people are much lower, thereby lowering their risk of contracting the virus. “Work from home, if possible. Avoid socializing with people outside of your household for the next few weeks. If we all take these steps, the current surge should start going down by the end of the month.”

Vaccine update

Pace noted that getting as many people vaccinated as possible will allow Lake County to resume a more normal rhythm of life. The first and second doses of Pfizer Vaccine for 975 residents have been received through the Health Department, in addition to 900 doses of the Moderna vaccine. About 500 more have been received via community healthcare partners. Over half of the initial doses have been administered in just three weeks, despite overlap with holidays and COVID cases surging. “We are working hard to ensure Lake County residents get every dose we can access,” Pace noted.

According to Pace, people frequently ask health officials when they can get the vaccine. “We are currently managing an unknown supply schedule (about 300 vaccines a week, not nearly enough) and setting up the infrastructure to provide the vaccine to the community, including outreach to medical partners and pharmacies,” noted Pace adding that state Guidelines determine priority:

https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/COVID-19/CDPH-Allocation-Guide-lines-for-COVID-19-Vac-cine-During-Phase-1A-Rec-ommendations.aspx

https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/COVID-19/Vaccine-Prioritization.aspx

More information is available at: https://covid19.ca.gov/vaccines/

Officials stated they expect Tier 1a (encompassing about three million people including health care workers and long-term care residents) will be finished by the end of this week (except for nursing home residents, who will be vaccinated through a partnership with pharmacies in the coming weeks).

Additionally, Pace emphasized those 75 years and older and some essential workers will receive the vaccine next noting the week of January 18 is the department’s goal. Teachers and school staff who have contact with kids will be prioritized, in the interest of getting schools open as soon as possible. “Once this plan is functioning, we will expand to childcare workers and essential workers in food and agriculture,” he noted, adding that more information will

be available later this week.

“With the virus widespread in our communities, you are likely to be in contact with people who are contagious any time you are out in public. Work from home, if possible. Avoid socializing with people outside of your household for the next few weeks. If we all take these steps, the current surge should start going down by the end of the month.”

— Dr. Gary Pace, Lake County health officer

State budget response

On Friday, Gov. Gavin Newsom today submitted his 2021-22 State Budget proposal to the Legislature — a $227.2 billion fiscal blueprint that provides funding for immediate COVID-19 response and relief efforts.

Among other items, the governor’s budget proposes $372 million to speed up administration of vaccines across all of California’s 58 counties, in an attempt to bolster the state’s allhands- on- deck approach to swift and safe vaccine distribution. T he proposed budget also includes a $14 billion investment in California;s economic recovery.

“In these darkest moments of the COVID-19 pandemic, this Budget will help Californians with urgent action to address our immediate challenges and build towards our recovery,” said Newsom. “The Budget makes progress towards the goal I set when taking office to harness California’s spirit of innovation and resilience and put the California Dream within reach of more Californians.”

According to the Governor’s Office, the proposed budget sets aside an initial $372 million in state funds, which can be allocated immediately as needed, for expenses to expedite the delivery of COVID-19 vaccinations.