COVID cases remain high as quarantine recommendations change

COVID continues to rage in Del Norte County, with 127 new cases reported Monday.

The 127 cases brought the active cases in the county to 326, with five people in the hospital. No new deaths were reported in the last week, with the death count of those who died after contracted COVID at 41.

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic almost two years ago, 4,692 cases have been reported in Del Norte County. The majority, 52% were among men and more than half the cases were in those ages 18-49.

There were new cases reported at Pelican Bay State Prison this week, with seven cases coming from the prison. Those cases are not including in the community count.

Del Norte County Public Health also announced changes to the quarantine requirement to keep inline with the CDC and state recommendations.

According to the public health department, anyone who tests positive for COVID, regardless of vaccination status, is asked to stay at home for at least five days from the start of symptoms or from the test date is having no symptoms.

Isolation can end after day five if you no longer have symptoms and a COVID test returns a negative result. If you are unable to or choose not to get a follow up test, public health is still recommending a 10-day quarantine.

Even if you receive a negative test after the fifth day, those who tested positive are asked to wear a well-fitting mask around others for a full 10 days in all settings.

If you have been a close contact with someone with COVID and are either unvaccinated or eligible for a booster and have not received a booster, public health recommends you quarantine for at least five days, regardless of symptoms.

After five days, quarantine can end if you have no symptoms and a COVID test shows a negative result.

Those who are fully vaccinated with a booster or not yet eligible for a booster do not need to quarantine after close contact unless symptoms appear.

The new guidance not not apply to those living or working in congregate setting or any healthcare providers. In those cases, the 10-day quarantine is still recommended.