Welcome

The COVID-19 virus continues to spread throughout Tulare County, and Public Health officials urge residents to take necessary precautions to protect themselves. COVID-19 continues to pose a risk to the health of our communities and to our most vulnerable populations.

Tulare County Public Health Officer Dr. Karen Haught strongly encourages community members to follow the public health guidelines and recommendations for slowing the spread of COVID-19 by not gathering with others outside your immediate household during the Labor Day holiday weekend.

“Case rates of COVID-19 continue to be of concern, with Tulare County reporting some of the highest rates of COVID-19 transmission and positivity rates in the state,” stated Dr. Haught. “We are finding that roughly 40% of our recent COVID-19 cases stem from exposure at social gatherings. In order for Tulare County to reduce our case numbers, we must refrain from gathering with people outside our households and not create environments where COVID-19 can easily spread.” 

To reduce COVID-19 cases and deaths in Tulare County, we urge residents to use alternative means when celebrating Labor Day this year. Alternative ideas for this Labor Day include:

• Ordering and picking up a Labor Day dinner for the family.
• Celebrating with only members of your single or immediate household.
• Reaching out to extended family members and friends by phone or video chat.

The most important thing is to keep your loved ones safe and healthy and to not risk their health by gathering with those outside your own home. COVID-19 cases have been seen to spike in Tulare County following a holiday weekend, and in order to not repeat a spike in cases, public health officials are urging residents to cooperate and avoid social gatherings this Labor Day.

Following the public health recommendations and reducing the amount of COVID-19 cases will help Tulare County meet the required thresholds to lift restrictions on businesses and reopen local schools, allowing children to return to the classroom.

To reduce the spread of COVID-19 in Tulare County, officials strongly urge everyone to practice both social and physical distancing of six feet or more between persons and to refrain from social gatherings. Residents must always wear a face mask or covering while in environments where physical distancing is not possible and while in public settings. In addition, everyone is encouraged to frequently wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer, regularly disinfect high-touch surfaces, and stay home if you are sick or instructed to isolate/quarantine by a medical or public health professional.

For more information about COVID-19, visit www.tchhsa.org/ncov and www.covid19.tularecounty.ca.gov