“We went from getting three to ten new confirmed cases per day to over one hundred in a matter of weeks,” said Nichole Fisher, Nursing Division Manager. “Public Health staff is working hard to contact everyone, and we can use the public’s help in gaining the upper hand against this virus.”

Local health officials say that case Investigators and contact tracers are working as quickly as possible to reach out to all new positive cases, focusing on the higher-risk cases, and are stretched beyond capacity until the additional staff is brought on board to help with this effort.

Health officials say that at the current rate, staff will be hard-pressed to keep up with the ever-increasing number of cases to notify.

This is where the public can help.

If someone receives a positive test result, he or she should immediately self-isolate for at least 10 days. Additionally, individuals are encouraged to complete the Virtual Agent survey sent out via text to aid contact tracing efforts. Once the survey is completed, individuals will receive isolation and quarantine orders. You will not receive a phone call from the Public Health Department. Anyone who has been in close contact with someone who tested positive should follow CDPH quarantine guidelines: 

• If unvaccinated, without symptoms: quarantine for a minimum of 7 days (with testing after day 5), or 10 days without testing. Continue daily self-monitoring for symptoms through Day 14.
• If vaccinated, without symptoms: the exposed person does not have to quarantine if they were fully vaccinated before the exposure. They have not developed any symptoms since their exposure to someone with COVID-19.

For full quarantine and isolation guidance, visit: 

https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/COVID-19/Guidance-on-Isolation-and-Quarantine-for-COVID-19-Contact-Tracing.aspx 

“We are asking for the public to take immediate action and complete the VA (Virtual Agent) survey to help expedite the case investigation process, which will help slow down the rate of new cases and keep our community safe,” said Nichole Fisher.

Health officials stress the following best practices known to limit the spread of COVID-19:

• Get vaccinated; to schedule an appointment, visit: https://myturn.ca.gov/
• Wear a face covering, regardless of your vaccine status, to protect yourself and those who cannot get vaccinated at this time.
• Stay home if you are sick or have COVID-19 symptoms.
• Complete the VA survey and/or cooperate with case investigators and contact tracers.

Visit www.kingscovidinfo.com for current information and guidance.