COVID-19 Overview
I hope you are safe and taking steps to protect yourself and others during these difficult and unprecedented times. I am writing to provide you with some information about Tuolumne County’s response to the COVID-19 threat, and what you can do to best help yourself and your community.
I don’t have to tell you that Tuolumne County has faced its share of challenges in recent years. Starting with the Rim Fire in 2013, through a 5-year drought and Public Safety Power Shutoffs, we have faced a broad range of emergencies with community spirit, determination and resiliency. Right now, our goal should be to protect ourselves and those most vulnerable by remaining at home if possible and maintaining social distancing if you do have to go outside.
It is only a matter of time before a positive result is found. Thus, it is important that we follow the Governor’s shelter in place order to help “flatten the curve” and spread out the burden on our limited medical resources.
The County is providing regular updates online at: https://www.tuolumnecounty.ca.gov/250/Public-Health
Tuolumne County Public Health has activated a call center that will be open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Public Health Hotline number is 209-533-7440. Those with questions specific to Adventist Health hospital or who have concerns about visiting the hospital or health clinic should call 844-542-8840.
To maintain public safety and to prevent unnecessary exposure to COVID-19, the county has closed or reduced services in many areas. Here is where we stand currently:
Closures and reduced services
Tuolumne County Schools will remain closed through April 13th, however, Governor Newsom advised parents to be prepared for schools to be closed for the remainder of the school year.
The Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Office and the Tuolumne County Fire Department will continue operations, however, there is no longer public access to the Striker Court Facility.
The lobby at the Tuolumne County Probation Department will be closed to the public to limit unnecessary contact. The office is staffed and will be responding as needed. Appointments will be prearranged and referrals from the Court will be seen. If you need to speak with someone or have a specific question, please call 209-533-7500 and immediately press “0”.
Tuolumne County Animal Control services will continue; however, their lobby will be closed to the public. Appointments can still be made by calling 209-694-2730.
The Community Development Department offices are closed to the public and can only be reached by phone at 209-533-5637. If no one answers, leave a message. For Environmental Health emergencies, call 209-533-5665.
The Lambert Center and Enrichment Center are all closed until further notice, however the 24-hour Crisis Line is continuing to operate: 209-533-7000 or 800-630-1130. The Senior Center is closed; however, meals and lunches are available for pickup by calling 209-533-2622. Meals on Wheels is continuing to operate.
All Tuolumne County parks and libraries are closed.
Please keep your friends and neighbors in your thoughts and check up on each other through email, Skype or a phone call. Keep your spirits high and find ways to contribute to local charitable organizations that are helping out-of-work families make ends meet. For example, ECS Head Start is looking for donations of diapers and other supplies for young children: https://www.atcaa.org/early-childhood-svs
The most difficult aspect of the COVID-19 emergency are the unknowns. Will we experience an outbreak locally? How many will be affected? How long until there is a vaccine? And our response should be guided by the needs of the community as the situation progresses.
Stay strong. This is not our first experience with adversity in Tuolumne County, and we will get through this – it’s what we do.
Sincerely,
Ryan Campbell
Tuolumne County Supervisor, District 2
2 S. Green St. Sonora, CA 95370
209-533-5521
