Officials in Yuba and Sutter counties are implementing a new health advisory in response to skyrocketing coronavirus cases. The advisory takes effect on Monday, December 7th.
Health authorities say close to one in five residents who get a COVID-19 test are testing positive. They claim that is among the worst positivity rates in California. They also say that health care provider Adventist Health-Rideout has run out of intensive care unit beds.
Hospitalizations of Yuba-Sutter residents have reportedly nearly tripled in the past few weeks, and officials insist plans for an alternate care site are no longer feasible, due to staffing shortages.
The Yuba-Sutter advisory is separate from the State of California's anticipated regional stay-at-home order, which only goes into effect when a specific region has less than 15% ICU capacity.
Here's what Yuba-Sutter officials are calling for come Monday:
- Limit outings outside your home to once per week for essential activities like grocery shopping, getting medications, and do not invite others outside of your home into your home.
- Shutdown all school campuses and revert back to distance learning exclusively.
- No indoor or outdoor in-person dining.
- Minimize in-person County, City and other government functions that will not jeopardize public safety.
Yolo County is also making changes ahead any state order. Effective 12:01 a.m. on Sunday, December 6, additional restrictions will be in place to slow the spread of COVID-19. Residents are strongly encouraged to stay home as much as possible while certain industries are required to limit operations.
The following are included among the Yolo County restrictions:
- Gatherings of any size are strongly discouraged. Only outdoor gatherings are permitted.
- Restaurants and wineries: may remain open outdoors but those seated at a single table are limited to household members only. Tables must be a minimum of six feet apart.
- Indoor retail establishments may remain open but must operate at 20 percent capacity with access strictly metered to ensure compliance. This includes all retail, including grocery stores.
- Gyms and fitness centers may remain open outdoors only but face coverings are required at all times with the exception of aquatic activities such as swimming.
- Sports (including youth, adult recreational, collegiate and professional):limited to drills and conditioning only, with physical distancing, and only outdoors. All competitive games, scrimmages, and similar activities that do not allow for physical distancing are not allowed.
- Stay home as much as possible: activities that bring individuals into contact with people who are not household members pose a risk of virus transmission, even if masks are worn.
On Thursday, Governor Gavin Newsom announced his new regional stay-at-home order based on each area's ICU occupancy as coronavirus cases continue to surge throughout California.