MENDOCINO Co., 3/27/20 — Mendocino County Public Health issued a revised shelter-in-place order with stricter controls on essential activities and businesses. The county has confirmed two cases of the virus so far as of Friday evening out of 185 known tests; 45 tests are still pending.
Thursday Mendocino County cancelled what had been a regular weekly press conference concerning COVID-19 in the county. We talked with Interim Public Health Officer Dr. Noemi Doohan on Friday afternoon to get a more current update, on topics including the newest order, what is essential business and how is enforcement happening, what outdoor activities are permitted, the current state of county testing and preparations at medical facilities, concerns about community spread, tourism, and road closures, how essential workers can protect themselves, and what to expect in the coming weeks.
We’re still working on our remote inteview tech and Facebook was being buggy, so bear with us! If you have suggestions, equipment, or want to support our work get in touch at [email protected]. We’re working to upgrade our equipment and offer translation for future interviews, which we plan to conduct with local officials regularly to get your COVID-19 questions answered.
Why are many places still open that don’t really need to be? Like car and farm tractor dealers, office and craft supply, doughnut shops and many fast food places that are not using masks. I think all these should be closed and the public should not be allowed in stores within protection. I live in Ukiah CA and don’t like people’s breathing on me. I only go out when I have to and stores are always still crowded with no social distancing and no protection. Especially Walmart.
I agree, its disturbing to see how many people are out, acting like it’s a normal day, no protection on the cashiers or food prep staff…if we want to “flatten the curve” and keep the “ESSENTIALS ” open these employees need to be and FEEL protected. I spoke with an employee at WalMart who had no gloves or mask on and she said she is terrified everyday to go to work. These essential businesses need to be regulated, what deems essential and if they fall into that category then they need to require their employees to be wearing a mask and gloves to prevent themselves and others getting sick. Otherwise they need to be shut down. I personally don’t see why buying a new car in a time where we can’t pay our rent is allowed to stay open?? Its like everyone is afraid to take the bull by the horns and just make it concrete, STAY AT HOME!! Only grocery stores, gas stations, clinics and hospitals should be open. The more people we keep off the streets, the more lives will be saved and the more we will benefit our local healthcare. And can someone take advantage of Gov. Newsom’s offer to help renters in this county!! Please, We need to feel protected right now, we need to have some form of hope and relief. On top of all of our daily stresses, facing homelessness with families is beyond stressful.
On a happy note:
Remember our animal shelters, foster or adopt if you have the space and can afford it, add some happy to your life and theirs. Plant a garden, learn to cook online. STAY HOME for the wellbeing of the whole county.