COVID-19 News & Updates
April 1, 2020 Update
There are more confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Sacramento County – the cases now total 314 and of those there is additional confirmed deaths, bringing that count to 9.
While the case increase was expected, what was not is Sacramento County Public Health’s discovery that approximately one-third of the confirmed cases are linked to gatherings related to churches. Sacramento County is urging – and, not just because the Public Health Order calls for it – all residents, from all faiths and all backgrounds to stay home – lives in our communities depend on it.
New data also suggests that people may be able to spread the COVID-19 virus 2-3 days before developing symptoms. The possibility of pre-symptomatic transmission makes it important for everyone – even if you feel healthy – to stay home as much as possible, wash your hands often and to stay at least six feet away from others.
“Social distancing works. We must keep our distance from others and not gather with any non-household members. Period. If we do not slow the spread of cases, a surge of sick people could have the potential to overwhelm our hospitals, doctors and equipment resources and could result in additional deaths,” said, Dr. Peter Beilenson, Director of the Department of Health Services.
With people staying home to stagger virus exposure and our hospital systems implementing their surge plans, such as cancelling elective surgeries, these will allow our hospital systems to work optimally to save the most lives.
While essential businesses remain open, residents should also minimize trips to these businesses, such as going grocery shopping just once a week rather than every day. Sacramento County commends all who have complied with the Public Health Order. However, for the smaller group of individuals, businesses and faith groups that are not following the COVID-19 Public Health Order, the County is working to educate them about the importance of protecting themselves all in our community from COVID-19.
Beginning today, case numbers on the Sacramento County COVID-19 website will be updated Monday through Friday. With these increasing cases, Sacramento County will share additional data about confirmed cases that is broken down by cities and unincorporated Sacramento County. Right now, the County has COVID-19 cases in all but one city; yet, it is almost certain that the virus is circulating in all our communities.
Staying home is a strain on everyone, but until there are treatments, enough protective gear for our health care workers and hospital beds, staying home is our best tool to slow the spread of the virus and save lives.
March 30, 2020 Update
Since Friday, March 28, there has been an increase of 60 confirmed COVID-19 cases and an additional death in Sacramento County.
As of March 30, at 11:30 a.m., there is a total of 224 confirmed COVID-19 cases, and the number of those who have died of complications of COVID-19 is 7 (Individuals who died from complications of COVID-19 were either age 65+ or had underlying health conditions).
Ages of all confirmed cases:
- Age 0-17: 3
- Age 18-64: 140
- Age 65+: 81
There have been confirmed cases in the unincorporated areas as well as in all the cities within Sacramento County, except for Isleton.
“This data tells us, that regardless if we live in urban, suburban or rural areas, it is imperative that all of us continue to stay home as much as possible. When we absolutely must go out – whether in your neighborhood or to grocery shop – we must maintain a distance of at least 6 feet from each other,” said Dr. Peter Beilenson, Director of the Department of Health Services.
We all need to do our part to slow the spread of COVID-19. Remember, you still can go outside – just keep your distance and don’t gather with others. When you are out in public spaces, be sure to not touch your face and wash your hands or use hand sanitizer after touching shared surfaces.
During the
Public Health Order, all businesses are allowed, “Minimum Basic Operations” to maintain the value of the business’s inventory, ensure security, process payroll and employee benefits, or for related functions. However, businesses and employees should provide and comply with Social Distancing Requirements and facilitate telework where feasible. When working remotely or a physical distance of six feet can’t be done, it’s not safe for anyone – employees or clients.
The spread of the virus is primarily caused by human contact – we need to keep our distance and comply with the Health Order to slow the spread of COVID-19.
March 27, 2020 UpdateIn the last two days, there has been an increase of 51 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Sacramento County. As of March 27, at 11a.m., there is a total of 164 confirmed COVID-19 cases, and those who have died of complications of COVID-19 is 6 (Individuals who died from complications of COVID-19 were either age 65+ or had underlying health conditions).
While those older than age 65 tend to have more severe complications of COVID-19, the 18-65 year old group in Sacramento County has the highest rate of positive tests. Currently, there are 95 in the 18-65 age range, and for those over 65, there are 66 adults. For the 0-17 group, there are few, at three individuals. The overall average age is 56, and the age spread is 9 and 97 years old. Between the genders, there is less than a 2-percentage point difference, with more males than females testing positive.
“Although these numbers are unsettling, they are not surprising,” said Dr. Peter Beilenson, Director of the Sacramento County Department of Health Services. “Together, using social distancing, we are reducing new cases today, which will stagger the rate of cases in the weeks to come.”
If we are to move the needle on reducing new COVID-19 cases, Beilenson says, there are promising models that show an exponential impact on suppressing new cases if we can continue to reduce our social contact as the Health Order directs.
“A Health Order like this is unprecedented so it is to be expected that there would be a learning curve – but the most important action people can take is to stay home, don’t gather with others, be sure to keep your six foot distance and clean your hands and surfaces often,” said Beilenson.
March 25, 2020 Update
As COVID-19 testing continues to increase, there are more confirmed COVID-19 cases within the community. Sacramento County has 113 confirmed COVID-19 cases, and five who have died from complications of COVID-19. The five individuals who died from complications of COVID-19 were either older than 70 or had underlying health conditions.
Mobile COVID-19 Testing Site
A Community-Based Testing Site (CBTS) for COVID-19 has been setup in Sacramento County and is being spearheaded by CDPH, verily, CalOES and the Governor’s Office in coordination with Sacramento County Public Health. This testing location at the outset will give immediate COVID-19 testing options to the healthcare providers and urgent care clinics in Sacramento County to refer health workers, first responders and patients with mild/moderate symptoms who are in the high-risk category for complications of COVID-19. As backlog begins to taper and capacity is established, an announcement will be made when testing is widened outside of provider referrals. People with severe symptoms, especially the elderly, should contact their health provider. Those who meet testing eligibility will be scheduled for a drive-through appointment for free COVID-19 testing and will be sent details by email or phone on how and where to get tested. The COVID-19 testing location is unable to take walk-ins and testing is by appointment only – those not registered will not be tested. Medical care is not provided on site. Sacramento County Public Health continues to work collaboratively with our healthcare providers and public health agencies to serve our communities and respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.
County Services Hours
Public Health Order
To get guidance on the Sacramento County Health Order and whether your business is exempt/non-exempt, please take the following steps:
- Step 1: Please take review page 5 of the
Public Health Order and
FAQ to see businesses listed as an essential business.
- Step 2: If you do not have clarity after reading the FAQ, go ahead and call 916-875-2002.
- Step 3: Our Health Services Team will connect back with you shortly.
To report a violation of the Public Health Officer Order, call 311.
Medical Supplies Donation Site
Sacramento County opened a donation site for members of the public who have specific items needed by health care professionals and emergency personnel. Donations of unused and unopened medical items will be accepted at 9680 Conservation Road, from 9 a.m., to Noon. The County drop off location will operate Monday through Friday, rain or shine for the foreseeable future. The donation site will only accept the following items: N95 mask of any type; Surgical or procedural masks; Non-latex medical gloves; Hand sanitizers; and Disinfectant sprays. No other items will be accepted at this location.
Ordinance
On Wednesday, March 25, 2020, the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors introduced an ordinance related to temporary prohibition of evicting residential tenants due to the impacts of COVID-19, also known as the “
Sacramento County Emergency Renter Protection Act of 2020." The Board continued the adoption of the ordinance to April 1, 2020.
Upon adoption of the ordinance by a simple majority vote on April 1, the effective date will be May 1, 2020.
The goal of the Public Health Order is to slow the spread of the virus by taking all reasonable means to stay home, and only venture out to public spaces when it is absolutely necessary – and when you must – maintain social distancing at all times.
