Coronavirus: Latest News 3-13

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With an influx of tests and testing capacity from commercial labs, Sonoma County doctors and those throughout California are rapidly expanding test capabilities. For the first time, doctors will be able to take samples and get test results directly from commercial labs, bypassing state and federal lab testing.

This ramp up will gradually reduce a backlog of patients desiring, or requiring coronavirus testing.

The Sonoma County Health Lab continues to work with local doctors, clinics and hospitals to randomly test patients with flu-like symptoms. 60-100 patients are being tested at the local lab, in an effort to determine if “community spread” is happening in the region.

As coronavirus information and status rapidly evolves across the nation, the steps you can take to prepare, and protect yourself and the community have not changed:

Practice good hygene. Wash your hands with soap frequently. Use hand sanitizer, or alcohol wipes.
Limit travel. Put off large gatherings. Stay at home from work and school when sick, or at the first sign of symptoms.
Practice not touching your face, including your nose, mouth and eyes, until you have washed your hands thoroughly. This is a learned response that can be modified.
Check in on older, or health impared family or neighbors. Help them self isolate by supplying groceries and other items.
Plan for, and accept daily disruptions to normal life patterns for a matter of a few weeks at least.
According to the World Health Organization and the CDD, know that in areas where precautions are taken, the number of affected patients has a lower peak, and occurs later than in areas that do not take these steps.

Other takeaways for March 13th.

45 people newly tested by County Health Lab in Santa Rosa, none positive
Test kits, with swabs and vials, produced by commercial providers arrived at doctors offices, clinics and hospitals in Santa Rosa, Healdsburg and Petaluma
Quest, ARUP and LabCorp all now doing testing
Call your doctor or health care provider before arriving for test. Do not simply show up. Doctors will still determine who needs a test as capacity ramps up.
Local hospitals and clinics expanding “surge capacity” to deal with possiblity of increased testing needs.
If you have symptoms, wear a mask around family members or in public. Practice self isolation.
Most screening for the coronavirus will be done over the phone, to reduce risk of spreading infection.
Most vunerable groups, including those over 60 and those with pre-existing health conditions will be given priority.
Sonoma County, Santa Rosa and other cities have canceled most large gatherings, classes and events. Local colleges and universities have canceled classes for several week period, and are going to online classes.