INYO COUNTY EXPERIENCES SIGNIFICANT COVID-19 CASE INCREASE: INDOOR MASKING + VACCINE RECOMMENDED
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Inyo County
Public Health & Prevention
INYO COUNTY COVID-19 CASES:
INDOOR MASKING RECOMMENDATION + VACCINE
INYO COUNTY, CA, July 30, 2021 – This week the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) announced updated Guidance for the Use of Face Coverings in California. This update supersedes all prior face covering guidance and took effect July 28, 2021. This update includes:
- Recommendation for universal masking indoor public settings statewide, regardless of vaccination status.
- Reiterates that masking is required for unvaccinated individuals in indoor public settings.
- Reiterates the settings in which all individuals must wear masks while indoors and adds Adult and Senior Care Facilities to those settings.
- References new requirements for unvaccinated works in the State Health Officer July 26 Order.
The Inyo County Health Officer is not considering a masking order at this time. However, the State’s guidance that requires unvaccinated individuals to wear face coverings in indoor settings is strongly supported. Additionally the recommendation for universal masking in indoor public settings, regardless of vaccination status is also strongly supported. Due to a significant increase in COVID-19 cases and contacts in Inyo County over the last week and the upcoming return to school for children K-12, Inyo County Public Health strongly encourages all eligible unvaccinated individuals, including those age 12 to 17 years, to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Throughout California and nationwide, there has been an increase in pediatric COVID-19 cases with the more contagious Delta variant, particularly affecting unvaccinated individuals and the 12-to-15 year age range.
“Studies supported by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective in preventing death and severe illness,” said James Richardson, MD, Public Health Officer of Inyo County, “I continue to support recommendations by the CDC that encourage persons 12 years and older to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Unvaccinated persons are more likely to be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and spread the virus to others, which we have seen in our noticeable case increase over the last week.”
Inyo County residents and visitors are encouraged to schedule a vaccine appointment by visiting MyTurn.ca.gov. Several Providers throughout the County have all 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
Inyo County Public Health is offering in-home vaccinations to homebound and individuals with limited mobility. Individuals who need assistance* in scheduling an appointment can call the Inyo County Public Health Desk at (760) 873-7868 or Vaccine Helpline (760) 873-3232. *Assistance is available in English & Spanish
Masking Guidance for the Public:
Inyo County residents should continue to follow the State’s guidance that requires unvaccinated individuals to wear face coverings in indoor public settings, which includes:
- Public Transit
- School venues and classrooms (K-12 and childcare), regardless of vaccination status
- Emergency shelters and cooling centers
- Healthcare settings
- State and local correctional facilities and detention centers
- Homeless shelters
- Long Term Care Settings & Adult and Senior Care Facilities
As well as the recommendation for universal masking in indoor public settings:
- All of the settings listed above
- Grocery and Retail Stores
- Restaurants
- Theaters
- Family Entertainment Centers
- Events and Meetings (of any size)
- State and Local Government Offices service the public
Guidance for Businesses
In workplaces, employers are subject to the Cal/OSHA COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standards (ETS) or in some workplaces the Cal/OSHA Aerosol Transmissible Diseases (ATD) Standard and should consult those regulations for additional applicable requirements.
No person can be prevented from wearing a mask as a condition of participation in an activity or entry into a business.
In settings where masks are required for unvaccinated individuals, businesses may choose to:
- Provide information to all patrons regarding vaccination requirements and allow vaccinated individuals to self-attest that they are in compliance prior to entry.
- Implement vaccine verification to determine whether individuals are required to wear a mask.
- Require all patrons to wear masks.
Following masking guidance and recommendations and getting all eligible individuals vaccinated will continue to keep our children safe (including those currently ineligible for vaccination), their families’ safe, and our communities’ safe from COVID-19.
Everyone is also encouraged to sign-up for local vaccine and COVID-19 related information by subscribing to our email list or by visiting the Inyo County website: COVID-19 & Vaccine Information.
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