New and Improved COVID-19 Dashboard
I hope you have had a chance to visit the County’s online COVID-19 dashboard, which provides up-to-date information on the virus in Placer County. The dashboard was originally launched in April and last week Placer County launched an updated version that provides additional information in a format that is easier to read. You will find the updated dashboard on the county’s Novel Corona Virus COVID-19 page under the “Cases in Placer” tab.
One important change to the dashboard is how the number of confirmed cases are reported by day. Previously the number of cases per day was based on the day a case was reported to Public Health, but the new site reports the number of cases by the date the test was conducted. This update will more closely reflect the actual spread of COVID-19 in the community and also brings Placer County into line with methods used by many other California counties.
Another change you will see on the new dashboard is that cases are now identified by region based solely on zip code. The dashboard originally split Placer County into three regions, South Placer, Mid Placer, and East Placer, and in some instances zip codes crossed into multiple regions. Identifying cases by region based on zip code allows for greater efficiency and simplicity of reporting regional case information.
Finally, the updated dashboard includes additional tabs where specific data can be found. For example, information on cases broken down by region can be found on the ‘Cases by Zip Code’ tab. You can also toggle between the ‘Zip Code’ and ‘Region’ options on the map to see cases by zip code versus cases for each Placer County region. Another important tab to be aware of is the ‘Data Notes’ tab, which contains definitions and information for the data presented, and this tab also includes answers to many questions about the data.
State Monitoring List
I have received a lot of questions regarding whether or not Placer County is still on the State’s COVID-19 Monitoring List. The answer is yes. Although our metric for hospitalizations fell below the State threshold for two days last week, our rate of new COVID-19 cases still exceeds the State threshold. Additionally, the California Department of Public Health has stated that once a county is placed on the Monitoring List, indoor business operations will continue to be restricted until the order is amended or rescinded by the State health officer – not just until that county is removed from the Monitoring List.
At our meeting on July 28 the Board of Supervisors asked the Public Health Officer to address this requirement with the State, as businesses in the county should be permitted to resume indoor operations, using physical distancing and requirements for face coverings, if our numbers drop below the threshold for the Monitoring List. The state’s order does allow for schools in counties that are on the Monitoring List to resume in-person instruction once county metrics fall below Monitoring List thresholds for 3 consecutive days and remain below thresholds for 14 additional consecutive days.
Looking Ahead
I will continue to encourage people to wear their face coverings and practice physical distancing. We do not know how long this will go on, but we need to find a way to balance public health and safety with a sustained economy. I am confident we can do this by working together and focusing on our common goals.
Please don’t hesitate to contact my office if you have questions or need any assistance with County issues or concerns.
– Cindy Gustafson, District 5 Supervisor
Placer County approves alcohol ban in two locations
The Placer County Board of Supervisors this week approved ordinances restricting alcohol in two separate locations in Placer County. At its July 27 meeting the Board extended the Truckee River alcohol ban until October 15, and on July 28 the Board approved and alcohol ban at the Placer County Government Center in North Auburn. Find more information about these Board actions in our online newsroom.
Board of Supervisors renews CAL FIRE contract
The Placer County Board of Supervisors approved a resolution today authorizing a $13.6 million CAL FIRE contract, which includes first-time funding for a new fire marshal and provides fire service and medical response to nearly one-third of the county. CAL FIRE has been acting as the Placer County Fire Department for nearly 50 years under a cooperative fire protection reimbursement agreement. Learn more
Eligible small businesses and nonprofits may begin applying for grant funding Aug. 25
Beginning Aug. 25, eligible small businesses and non-profit organizations in Placer County can begin applying for Placer Shares grant funding to offset impacts caused by the coronavirus pandemic and the resulting state shutdown order. Learn more
Contact information:
175 Fulweiler Ave., Auburn, CA 95603
Supervisor Cindy Gustafson: cindygustafson@
District Director Lindsay Romack: lromack@placer.ca.gov
District Aide Kelly McCaughna: kmccaughna@placer.
Temporary Assistant District Aide Judy Friedman: jfriedman@placer.ca.
