KUKI News

Mendocino County’s Public Health Officer has issued a revised health order that aligns with statewide guidance on new allowable activities. Major changes in the revised Shelter-In-Place include: Places of worship may open for limited capacity in-person religious services and cultural ceremonies; Funeral Services expanded with restrictions, Hair salons and barbershops may open for limited services; In-person political protests are allowed with modifications outlined by the state. The Health Order and a summary of the major changes are available on the county’s website, at MendocinoCounty.org.

Lake County’s Public Health Officer has issued an updated health order regarding a face mask mandate that was imposed last week. Dr. Gary Pace’s health order addendum removes a suggestion that those who cannot wear wear a face mask for health reasons provide a doctor’s note as proof. Pace clarifies that a note is not a requirement.

The state’s unemployment rate rose to a record-high 15.5 percent in April, compared to the 5.5-percent rate reported in March. Locally, the latest report from the California Employment Development Department shows Lake County unemployment rose to 15.2 percent in April, up from 7.3 percent in March and 5 percent in April 2019. Mendocino County unemployment rose to 14.8 percent in April, up from 5.9 percent in March, and 4.1 percent in April 2019. The unemployment department says five-million people in the state have lost their jobs since March due to businesses closing.

A caretaker in Ukiah has been arrested for elder abuse. According to the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office, a 73-year-old man who lives in the 800 block of Lake Mendocino Drive reported that his In Home Supportive Services care worker pushed him to the floor and left him there. The man crawled to a phone to call for help. Deputies arrived and found the caretaker asleep and intoxicated.

More COVID-19 cases have been reported in both Lake and Mendocino Counties.

Late Tuesday and Wednesday, 9 new cases of COVID-19 were confirmed in Lake County, bringing the cumulative total to 23. This includes 11 newly documented in the past week. According to the Lake County Public Health Department, 2 different clusters of active infections have been identified. 8 of the 11 recent positive tests are related to these clusters. Both are still being investigated, to determine if there are further associated cases. The other 3 individuals tested positive out of the area, but reside in Lake County.

Mendocino County Public Health confirmed 2 more cases of COVID-19 yesterday, bringing the total number of cases to 25. One new case is in the Ukiah Valley area and one is on the North Coast. One of the cases was a person between the ages of 35 and 49, while the other is person 65 or older.

COVID-19 testing in Anderson Valley turned up a positive test. The Anderson Valley Health Center reported that they tested 39 more community members for Covid-19 last Thursday May 21st. The results came back yesterday with 38 negative and one positive result. This was surveillance testing so all individuals were asymptomatic. Mendocino county will begin contact tracing and surveillance testing.

Another popular event has been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Lake County Rodeo, that was to happen on July 10th and 11th, will not go on this year. The Lake County Rodeo Association determined that the restrictions in place due to the coronavirus pandemic made it impossible to hold the rodeo this year.

There’s free COVID-19 testing today. Mendocino County Public Health announced it’s happening at Round Valley High School in Covelo from 5 pm – 7 pm. No appointments needed and your test can be done anonymously. The testing is free and open to all.

The state is allowing hair salons and barbershops to reopen their doors in approved counties – including Lake and Mendocino Counties. Those businesses can open in Lake County with modifications. Lake County Public Health Director, Dr. Gary Pace, says services that preclude wearing of face coverings or require the provider to touch the face of the client remain prohibited. Businesses that reopen are required to follow statewide guidelines, and self-certify their compliance with Social Distancing and other general precautions. You can find those resources on the Lake County Public Health website.

health.co.lake.ca.us/Coronavirus/Businesses.htm

There’s one more case of COVID-19 in Mendocino County. The Public Health Department confirmed the 23rd case yesterday. The origin of the case is still under investigation, as is the prior days 22nd case, while a thorough contact tracing is being conducted by Public Health. There is no evidence of community spread at this time.