Merced County officials say true picture of COVID-19 still evolving, despite lower numbers
Early Friday, state officials indicated that Mariposa County health officers may determine when it is appropriate to move into Stage 3, a Mariposa County Health and Human Services Agency news release said.
Mariposa and Merced counties each remain in an advanced “Stage 2.5” that allows certain sectors of the economy to open faster than other parts of the state.
“We are working closely with the state and learning more about how we can move into Stage 3,” the Mariposa County release said. “After further clarification from state officials they will continue to provide the guidance as to how varying sectors can operate.”
As more state guidance is released, county health officers can determine when it is safe to make changes -- but that sector-specific guidance is not yet available, the release said. Mariposa County officials are continuing to work closely with the state to ensure it is considered.
New cases fall, but delays persist
New coronavirus cases are down by more than half in Merced County this week compared to last, according to County Public Health.
With Friday’s three additional infections, the week tallied 15 total compared to the prior week’s 31.
Recoveries total 190 Friday and fatalities seven. The most recent COVID-19 related death was reported Monday.
But the county’s slower rise to a total of 283 known cases Friday isn’t necessarily indicative of the current state of coronavirus infections locally, Public Health officials told the Sun-Star.
“If you have an exposure to someone, you may not develop symptoms for up to two weeks after that. Typically people don’t go right to the doctor the first day they develop symptoms,” said County Supervising Epidemiologist Dr. Kristynn Sullivan. She noted that test results usually take 48 to 72 hours.
“When you put all those numbers together, it can take two to even four weeks to see (coronavirus case) numbers that are reflective of what’s happening in the community,” she said.
Last Friday marked the highest number of new COVID-19 cases in a day for the county yet. Seventeen residents tested positive for the disease.
Because of the lag, Sullivan said this spike could be traced back to Mother’s Day gatherings around May 10.
This raises questions about how the coronavirus landscape will look two to four weeks down the road from Memorial Day weekend. Sullivan said County Public Health doesn’t have any data about how Merced County residents followed precautionary measures like social distancing and keeping groups small while celebrating, but did note that she heard the parks were busy.
Additionally, the recent holiday weekend could lead to a further lag in known coronavirus cases since Monday’s closures mean less tests were done this week, Sullivan said. Testing sites are also closed on the weekend.
Sullivan also pointed out that the recent decrease in new cases isn’t quite as low as a period in April, when additional infections were consistently just one to three each day.
Another familiar barrier is access to testing supplies. “Some of our providers have indicated that some of their testing supplies are running low again,” Sullivan said, which leads providers to become more selective in who they test for COVID-19.
The jury is still out for whether the recent 100-plus degree days are good or bad news for curbing COVID-19’s spread, according to the Center for Disease Control.
While some viruses spread more easily during colder months, that doesn’t mean its impossible to become ill. Too much is still unknown to say how the coming heat will effect the novel coronavirus, the CDC says.
Sullivan also noted that unpleasant heat may deter some sick individuals from going out to get tested.
In positive news, the logistical issues and testing backlog plaguing the OptumServe testing site at the Merced County Fairgrounds have been mostly resolved, Sullivan said. Results are now generally received within the promised 48 hours and the site is able to accommodate some walk-in appointments.
Robot disinfects clinic post-outbreak
It was nearly two months ago that 10 healthcare workers tested positive for coronavirus at the Sutter Health Rural Health Clinic in Los Banos, resulting in the facility’s temporary closure.
The clinic reopened April 13, resuming in-person preventative care and medically necessary, time-sensitive procedures -- with increased precautionary modifications, according to a Sutter Health news release.
One tool is an ultraviolet light technology robot to thoroughly clean the waiting area and exam rooms. The UV light kills or inactivates microorganisms, disinfecting patient rooms in about 30 minutes and larger operating rooms in about 45 minutes, a Sutter Health spokesperson told the Sun-Star.
The UV light treatment is in addition to deep cleanings after each patient visit and throughout the day. The method is used at other Sutter locations as well.
Masking and temperature check requirements for staff and patients are also in place. The waiting area is limited to 10 individuals or less at a time at time, socially distanced apart.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has taught us a lot and reinforces that our health is precious,” said Kristie Marion, chief nurse executive of Memorial Hospital Los Banos and one of the driving forces behind the Rural Health Clinic, in the release. “We need to do everything we can to protect it.”
Available in-person care includes cardiology, ear nose and throat care, family medicine, obstetrics-gynecology, pediatrics, pain management and urology. The expanded services also serve patients with chronic or complex diagnoses like diabetes or high blood pressure.
“We know that patients who have medical problems that are not well-controlled, such as diabetes or hypertension, are more likely to fare poorly with any other infection including COVID-19,” Marion said in the release. “Regular attention to our well-being is one of the best investments we can make in ourselves.”
Video visit options for routine care are available for patients as well.
This story was originally published May 29, 2020 at 5:00 PM.
