LAKEPORT — The pandemic situation in Lake County appears to be stabilizing though three COVID-related deaths occurred over the weekend, Dr. Gary Pace reported at the Board of Supervisors’ meeting Tuesday. Pace, who resigned in April as the county’s Public Health Officer, is filling the role temporarily until the BOS appoints a permanent one.
COVID-related area deaths now total 72, and confirmed cases number 5,099. With 42 cases per 100,000, Lake County, which topped the state list a couple of weeks ago, has dropped to 11th in the rankings. The 20 to 34 age group has the highest case rate at 29% or 1,213 cases. The test positivity rate in the last seven days is 13.4%, down -1.8%. While data shows 66% in California are fully vaccinated, in Lake County, about 55% or 30,000 are fully vaccinated and 37% or 20,000 are not vaccinated.
One bright note: Lake is now able to transfer patients to other counties, according to Pace. On the other hand, he indicated the county is experiencing an outbreak in schools as well as in the county jail where 52 inmates and seven staff members have contracted the virus. Pace also said that contact tracing may not be viable at this time due to staff shortage.
Pace reiterated his message at previous BOS meetings that getting vaccinated and masking up are sure-fire protections against COVID. A meeting attendee asked clarification on why a person who has been vaccinated would still need to wear a mask.
“We’re seeing more and more that the vaccinated can get the virus and spread it,” Pace responded. “There’s less risk if you’re vaccinated versus not vaccinated. You’re unlikely to die or get hospitalized if you’re vaccinated.”
The same individuals who contradicted Pace’s recommendations in the previous BOS meetings, repeated their objections to vaccines and masks, prompting the doctor to say, “I am not sure why people challenge me to say otherwise than what I’ve been saying all this time.”
Board Chair Bruno Sabatier pointed out that the three who recently died of COVID were unvaccinated. District 5 Supervisor Jessica Pyska commented, “There’s fear mongering. Do not minimize these deaths. We feel them.”
District 1 Supervisor Moke Simon noted that the BOS provides the information about vaccinations and each individual can make their decisions. “We will continue to pass this message,” Simon added. “There are 72 deaths. If you’re not going to take the vaccine, at least wear a mask. We work to provide the info to the public. You never hear this board shut down anyone.”
To help boost COVID vaccinations in the county, Pace announced that COVID-19 testing and vaccinations will be offered from 3 to 7 p.m., Thursday, August 26, at the Kelseyville Family Apartments, 5185 State St., Kelseyville.
