Inyo County California

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Inyo County
Public Health & Prevention

www.inyocounty.us/covid-19

INYO COUNTY CONTINUES TO SEE COVID-19 CASE INCREASE
+ NEW CDPH HEALTH OFFICER ORDERS

INYO COUNTY, CA, August 6, 2021 –The State of California is currently experiencing its fastest increase in COVID-19 cases during the pandemic with case rates increasing ninefold within two months. The highly contagious Delta variant is currently the most common COVID-19 variant causing new infections in California.

In Inyo County, we have seen a significant increase in COVID-19 cases over the past month. As of August 6, 2021, the COVID-19 case rate for Inyo County was 13.2 cases per 100,000 individuals, with 25 new cases being reported over the past 7 days. If case rates continue to increase, our rural healthcare system could quickly become overwhelmed.

This week, Inyo County Public Health officials have confirmed one additional COVID-19-related death that occurred in June, 2021.

In light of the rapid case increases seen throughout the state, on August 5, 2021, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) issued two new Health Officer Orders. The first CDPH Health Officer Order requires workers in health care settings to be fully vaccinated or receive their second dose by September 30, 2021. The second CDPH Health Officer Order directs hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and intermediate care facilities to verify that visitors are fully vaccinated or have tested negative for COVID-19 in the prior 72 hours before indoor visits. This order will take effect on August 11, 2021.

Unvaccinated persons are more likely to become infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and spread the virus to others.

“We strongly encourage our unvaccinated residents and visitors to get vaccinated so we can minimize serious disease, hospitalizations, and death,” said Dr. Richardson, Inyo County Health Officer.

Inyo County residents and visitors are encouraged to schedule a vaccine appointment by visiting myturn.ca.gov. Several Providers throughout the County have joined in the vaccination effort:

• Northern Inyo Hospital | Pfizer | Visit: MyTurn.ca.gov
   
• Valley Health Team | Pfizer + Moderna | Call: 760-784-7020
   
• Toiyabe Indian Health Project | Moderna | Call: 760-873-8461
   
• Vons Pharmacy | Pfizer + Moderna | Visit: Vons Pharmacy Scheduler
   
• Dwayne’s Friendly Pharmacy | Moderna | Visit: Healthmart Scheduler
   
• Rite Aid  | Moderna | Visit: RiteAid Pharmacy Scheduler
   
• Southern Inyo Hospital | Moderna | Call: 760-876-1146

Homebound Vaccinations:

Inyo County Public Health is offering in-home vaccinations to homebound and individuals with limited mobility.

Individuals who need assistance* in scheduling an appointment for a vaccine at any location can call the Inyo County Public Health at (760) 873-7868 or Vaccine Helpline (760) 873-3232.
*Assistance is available in English & Spanish

COVID-19 TESTING:

If you are in need of a PCR COVID-19 test, there are two (2) free-of-charge locations in Inyo County.

Bishop Testing Location: Tri-County Fairgrounds - Tallman Pavilion | 475 Sierra Street, Bishop CA 93514
Every Monday and Wednesday | 8:00 am to 4:00 pm (Closed for Lunch - Noon to 1:00 pm)

Lone Pine Testing Location: Lone Pine Senior Center - Statham Hall | 138 N. Jackson Street, Lone Pine CA 93545
Every Tuesday and Friday | 8:00 am to 4:00 pm (Closed for Lunch - 11:00 am to 1:00 pm)

Southern Inyo – Rural Health Clinic is offering rapid COVID-19 testing. Please call the clinic in advance to make an appointment: 760-876-1146

Northern Inyo – Rural Health Clinic is testing individuals that are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. Please call the clinic to schedule an appointment to be tested: 760-873-2849

If you are required or interested in conducting routine COVID-19 testing for your business, visit our COVID-19 Business page for more details on how to enroll in free antigen testing through the CA Testing Taskforce: https://www.inyocounty.us/covid-19/inyo-businesses/routine-testing

For more local COVID-19 information, visit https://www.inyocounty.us/covid-19or subscribe to COVID-19 weekly updates here.

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