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Alpine County Health Department, 75-B Diamond Valley Rd., Markleeville, CA 96120 Alpine County Board of Supervisors, Phone: (530) 694-2281 District 1: January Riddle, District 2: Ron Hames, District 3: Katherine Rakow, District 4: Terry Woodrow, District 5: David Griffith Christmas Eve, December 24, 2020 COVID-19 Summary “The light at the end of the tunnel……….” a train coming the other way” – in the near future. The Regional Stay-at-Home Order remains in effect until at least January 1st. Projections show that it is virtually impossible to expect that we will be released from that order anytime soon, let alone January 1st. That means all types of lodging must stay closed indefinitely, and restaurants can only be open for take out or delivery. Ski areas may operate with significant modifications. For more details, go to: About COVID-19 restrictions - Coronavirus COVID-19 Response (ca.gov) and CalCAT (We are in the Greater Sac Region.) However, there is truly “light at the end of the tunnel”, in 2 ways: “…making a list, checking it twice, gonna find out who’s” eligible and interested Vaccine: This week, Alpine County Health Department received its first shipment of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, and the Washoe Tribal Health Center in Dresslerville received their first shipments of the Pfizer vaccine. They are equivalent in terms of safety and effectiveness. While this gets us started in protecting our frontline health care workers, including those first responders who answer 911 calls, it will be a while before we can vaccinate everyone who wants it. We will follow federal and state guidelines in prioritizing vaccination for those who work in essential sectors such as emergency services and education, and those in our community who are at higher risk and vulnerable to severe outcomes if they become infected. These Public Health Briefs will be the route of notification to you as to when you will become eligible to get vaccinated. Stay tuned! “over the river and through the woods, to grandmother’s house we go” – please don’t!! We have a difficult few months ahead of us, where vaccine will not make a dent in cases, hospitalizations, or deaths. Please follow the instructions to wear a mask, keep socially distanced, minimize gatherings, wash your hands, and enjoy the outdoors as you celebrate the holidays safely in order to stay healthy! Blessings! Public Health Brief Richard O. Johnson, M.D., MPH Nichole Williamson Public Health Officer HHS Director Office: [PHONE REDACTED], Ext 249 Office: [PHONE REDACTED] e-mail: [EMAIL REDACTED] 24/7/365 Emergency Contact Number Dispatch: [PHONE REDACTED], Ext 330 Warm Line: [PHONE REDACTED]