Public Health Department reduces COVID-19 testing, vaccinations due to declining demand, increased accessibility in private sector

December 31, 2021January 1, 2022 Staff

The Omicron variant may be raising concern and alarm around the world and across the nation, but not so much here in Lassen County. According to a statement by the Lassen County Public Health Department, it is reducing its response to COVID-19 beginning next year.

According to the statement, “Due to a decrease in demand, Lassen County Public Health will be reducing COVID-19 testing and vaccines beginning (Monday) Jan. 3, 2022. Our partner agencies and local pharmacies have increased their testing and vaccine accessibility, which will allow for continued availability for the community.”

According to statistics posted on LassenCares.org, nearly 56 percent of local cases involve residents between the ages of 18 and 49. Those over 65, frequently cited as the most at risk from the virus, make up only 15 percent of the local cases.

2022 testing schedule

The Lassen County Public Health Department, located at 1445 Paul Bunyan Road, Suite D, offers COVID-19 testing from 9 to 11 a.m. Mondays and from 9 to 11:30 p.m. Wednesdays beginning Monday, Jan. 3, no appointment necessary. The PHD offers PCR testing only. Have your social security number or insurance information with you at the time of testing. Schedules are subject to change and exclude holidays. For more information, call 251-8183.

2022 vaccination schedule

The Lassen County Public Health Department, located at 1445 Paul Bunyan Road, Suite D, offers COVID-19 vaccinations from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesdays (Moderna) and from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Thursdays (Janssen and Pfizer 12+). Schedule appointments at myturn.ca.gov or by calling 251-8183.

The Public Health Department and the Incident Command for Lassen County COVID-19 response reminds the public of the following simple steps that can reduce or prevent the spread of any respiratory illness, including COVID-19.

• Get vaccinated

• Wear a mask if/when possible;

• Wash your hands with liquid soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or if you do not have soap, you can use alcohol-based sanitizer of at least 60 percent alcohol;

•Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve when coughing or sneezing, do not use your hands;

• Regularly clean surfaces touched frequently by people;

• Practice social distancing recommendations by the CDC, such as reducing your interactions in large groups or crowds and unnecessary trips into the public;

• Symptoms of COVID-19 range from mild symptoms to severe illness, and they may appear 2 to14 days after exposure. Symptoms may include, but are not limited to, fever, cough, shortness of breath and sudden loss of taste or smell;

• Residents 65 years or older and individuals with underlying medical conditions are particularly vulnerable to contracting the virus;

• Follow any additional guidelines recommended by the CDC.

Current statistics

These numbers are the most recent reported by Lassen Cares, the agency in Lassen County that reports COVID-19 statistics to the public, as of 4 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 30.