Public Health shares decision-making scenarios to prevent COVID-19

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El Dorado County Public Health Co.

Decision-making scenarios to prevent COVID-19

(Placerville, CA) – The Eldorado County Public Health Department reminds residents and visitors of Eldorado County to stay vigilant to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Eldorado County Public Health Officer Dr. Nancy Williams said her COVID-19 cases in California and Eldorado County were at moderate to high levels throughout the summer. Levels are finally dropping again, but the ongoing virus transmission is likely to continue as students return to school this month. “This is a concern because the mutation appears to be becoming more and more contagious,” he said. “Taking simple precautions is the best way to reduce your chances of contracting or spreading the virus.”

“Before 2022, the surge in COVID-19 cases in California was addressed by state-issued orders,” Williams explained. “However, since California changed most of its COVID-19 orders into recommendations earlier this year, there are almost no restrictions to protect yourself and others from contracting COVID or infecting others. All responsibility now rests with each of us individually.” Some statewide restrictions remain for special settings such as health care facilities.

Our global recommendations to prevent the spread of COVID-19 remain:

• vaccinated and boosted (if eligible),
• Get tested when symptoms develop (or do home testing)
• If you cannot adequately protect yourself in spaces you share with others who may be exposed to COVID-19, continue to wear a high-quality, properly fitted mask.
• Stay away from others when sick (to keep you safe).

In addition to these recommendations, Williams said you should make decisions for yourself and your family about how and when to take preventative measures. “Determining what precautions to take can be complicated,” Williams said. ‘s personal considerations may influence these decisions.”

To help individuals, the Eldorado County Public Health Department has shared common scenarios people are likely to face and offers decision-making options (from good to better). What). These decision-making scenarios include activities such as visiting vulnerable people, going to the gym, and gathering with people outside your own community. Dr. Williams hopes this information will help people decide which precautions are meaningful for them.

Here is one common scenario: Other scenarios can be found on the Eldorado County Department of Public Health’s Welldorado web page (https://www.welldorado.org/).

Common Scenario #1
How can I safely visit the elderly (or other vulnerable) or how can others safely visit me if I am vulnerable?

good	Notice how severely COVID is impacting you and the communities where you and the elderly/vulnerable live or visit. If you have COVID-like symptoms, postpone your visit (even if your COVID test is negative). An antigen test will be performed just before coming to the hospital. If positive, postpone your visit. Tips: Complete antigen testing at the start of the visit whenever possible, but be prepared to postpone the visit if positive. If a last-minute change of plans wreaks havoc, consider testing a day or two in advance (and then test again just before your visit).
Better	above, addition More layers of protection: Be careful 1 week (or 2 weeks) before your visit. Minimize your attendance at indoor gatherings and other indoor events. (these rear your visit) Consider masking whenever you are indoors with people outside of your household, such as when traveling. Be careful around your family in COVID-risk situations.
number one	Plan to perform the above steps Whenin advance: Obtain an antigen test kit* and keep it handy. Plan your visit so that it can be canceled or changed if COVID illness strikes or the risk becomes too high. Keeping up with COVID-19 vaccinations.

Regardless of the scenario, Williams says individuals should consider the following questions when making decisions:

• Are some people particularly vulnerable to severe COVID?
• Are people in the group vaccinated/boosted or have they recently recovered from COVID?
• Is the gathering place indoors or outdoors?
• Can I or others wear masks when we are together indoors?
• If the results are positive, will I or others complete the antigen test and isolate from the group?
• Do you experience higher-risk exposures, such as close face-to-face communication, when eating together at a restaurant without your mask on? Is there a lower risk of exposure, e.g.

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