COVID-19 Update

Here is the latest on what you can do to protect yourself from COVID-19, what we are doing at Kaweah Health to keep patients safe, and other related activities in Tulare County. Get information on masks, testing, prevention and more.

Statewide

This afternoon, Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a State of Emergency to make additional resources available to help make supplies and resources available to prevent the spread of COVID19.

Countywide

There remains no evidence of an infection of COVID-19 in Tulare County, according to the Tulare County Health and Human Services Agency. For updates from TCHHSA on the number of individuals in the county being self monitored, click HERE (site updated two times a week). Hospitals in the area continue to be vigilant with infection prevention and testing, when indicated. The county has the ability to test locally; test results are typically available within 24-48.

Kaweah Heath

Although the risk remains low in Tulare County, we continue our work to prevent and prepare for a local exposure of COVID-19. We highly encourage our staff, patients, visitors, and community to, “think flu first” when experiencing any symptoms associated with COVID-19 such as fever, cough, and shortness of breath. However, call your doctor if you develop symptoms, and have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19 or have recently traveled from an area with widespread or ongoing community spread of COVID-19.

Face Masks

Again, we remind our community that face masks are not recommended for people who are well and that we are issuing them only to patients. Face masks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 (above) to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. This ensures that we have enough supply for our patients as evidence indicates that most people who are not sick do not need to wear them.

There has also been talk about N95 respirator masks, which are important to healthcare workers in a hospital setting, but not to the general community. While they prevent germs from entering the airways of healthy people, they must be fitted to the healthcare workers’ face to ensure a good seal and protection. When masks and N95 Respirators (masks) are used inappropriately, healthcare workers and patients are at risk for contracting and spreading disease.

We are encourage you to follow the Center for Disease Control & Prevention’s preventive actions:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
  • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

We will continue to provide updates on COVID-19 activities as we know more.