December 31, 2020 - Mariposa County Public Health is currently working on a large amount of COVID positive cases today. The number of cases continues to increase throughout the day. All cases are currently under investigation however, what we do know is this will be the largest number to-date that Mariposa County has seen in a single day and many of the cases are linked to holiday travel and gatherings. Specific case information will be released today during the normal 4:30 P.M. report. Our Contact Tracing Team is hard at work reaching all cases and contacts reported today.
If you feel you have been exposed during a holiday gathering or travel, please contact the testing site at lhi.care/covidtesting or by calling 1-888-634-1123. The Mariposa site will be closed tomorrow 1/1/21 however they are open for walk in appointments today from 2:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M. The testing site will also be open Saturday 1/2/21. As always, we recommend making appointments versus walk-ins to guarantee a test and reasonable wait time.
Please remember the best way to not spread or contract COVID-19 is to stay home. We urge everyone to follow all COVID-19 guidance and to avoid gatherings for the holiday. If you have any questions, please contact our COVID-19 Information Team at 209-259-1332 or by emailing Mariposacovid19@gmail.com.
Did you travel or gather over the holidays?
Many of these cases are coming from travel and family gatherings over the holidays. If you think you were exposed, please schedule a COVID-19 test 5 days from your last exposure. You can schedule an appointment at the LHI/OptumServe Testing site by visiting lhi.cre/covidtesting or calling 1-888-634-1123.
Why 5 days?
This is the average time for onset of symptoms and gives enough time for the viral load to build to detectable levels. All of this means you will get a more accurate result than if you test before that.
Why quarantine longer?
We know that it is possible to test negative on day 5, but still have the virus building in your system. This is why it is safest for others in you continue to stay home and monitor your symptoms for up to 14 days after your last exposure.
Source: Mariposa County Health Department
