Three New Cases

Today, April 23, 2020, three Round Valley residents within the same household tested positive for COVID-19. The testing was performed at Round Valley Indian Health Center and the health care workers used proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Following protocol the Round Valley Indian Health Center reported the positive cases to Mendocino County Public Health. Public Health has initiated a contact tracing investigation and is working with Round Valley Indian Health Center on additional testing of individuals potentially exposed to the individuals that have tested positive. All three individuals are in stable condition, in isolation at home with active public health monitoring and did not require hospitalization. Asymptomatic close contacts of the cases are in quarantine. 

Mendocino County Health Officer Dr. Noemi Doohan stated, “I am grateful for the opportunity to collaboratively work with the Round Valley Indian Tribes and the Round Valley Indian Health Center and applaud the clinic staff for the exemplary manner in which these cases were cared for. Thank you to Congressman Jared Huffman, Senator Mike McGuire, Assemblyman Jim Wood and California Department of Public health Director Dr. Sonia Angell for their rapid response and assistance in mobilizing additional resources. I deeply care about our tribal communities and we are here to respond and provide support to contain the spread of COVID-19.”

Please understand that those who test positive have a right to remain anonymous and have their privacy respected. If you are a resident of Round Valley and have concerns about exposure or have COVID-19 symptoms such as cough, fever or flu-like symptoms please contact the Round Valley Indian Health Center Triage Nurse at (707) 983-6181 ext. 142. Please call the clinic prior to arriving.

The Mendocino County Health Officer, Round Valley Indian Health Center and Round Valley Indian Tribal Council urge residents to follow the Health Officer’s Shelter in Place order and stay home unless essential travel is required for groceries, medicine or other necessary items.

Every person has a role to play to lessen the spread of this virus and to help prevent exposure to others. You can protect yourself and your family by following these simple measures: 

• Washing hands with soap and water.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. If surfaces are dirty, clean them using detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.
• Avoiding touching eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue or your inner elbow.
• Avoiding close contact with people who are sick.
• Do not go to work if you become sick with respiratory symptoms like fever and cough.
• Wear facial coverings when you leave your home. 
• Following guidance from public health officials.

An update regarding the new cases will be provided tomorrow at 2:00 p.m. during the Health Officer’s Friday Update which will be streamed live on the Mendocino County YouTube Channel and Facebook page.

The new cases brings the total number of positive cases in Mendocino County to eight. Of the eight cases, four have recovered. 

For more on COVID-19: www.mendocinocounty.org

Call Center: (707) 234-6052 or email callcenter@mendocinocounty.org

The call center is open Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.