Pleas from health officials as COVID-19 spikes in Shasta County
REDDING, Calif. — Tuesday's Shasta County Board of Supervisors meeting was held online due to the coronavirus spike in Shasta County.
At the meeting, Health Officer Dr. Karen Ramstrom stated the obvious: the coronavirus is everywhere.
"The case rates that we have right now are extremely high," she said. "We're really in the worst situation we've been in since this pandemic started in terms of our case numbers. Pretty much anywhere you go I the county it's widespread. We're seeing cases in all geographic areas of the county, various types of settings, so it's really a good time to stay close to home."
Health experts say it is not recommended, but if someone does get together with family for the holidays, they should do as much as possible outdoors, or open windows if they're indoors.
Dr. Ramstrom also said a vaccine would be available in Shasta county by the end of the year. There will be a limited supply at first, which will be focused on high-risk workers and first responders.
After that, the county will focus on high-risk individuals, like seniors, followed by essential workers and people who have a more moderate medical risk from the virus.
Everyone should have the chance to get vaccinated by spring or summer. Logistically, it will be a challenge, with the two most developed vaccines needing to be kept at either 20 or 70 degrees below zero.
