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Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Northern Inyo Healthcare District is committed to the health and wellbeing of the Eastern Sierra community and we are working diligently to ensure the safety of patients, visitors, staff, and our overall community during these challenging times. We are collaborating with our local and national healthcare authorities to provide the highest level of care and we are following the strictest proven guidelines for cleanliness and safety. Our Hospital, Clinics, and other ancillary services are open and ready to help you with all of your healthcare needs.

Latest News:

NEW: NIHD Visitor Policies due to COVID-19 (as of Jan. 13, 2022)

County Updates Guidance for positive COVID-19 cases

(Inyo County, January 7, 2022) – Following a rapid rise in positive COVID-19 cases, Inyo County Public Health is urging residents and visitors to follow proper guidance and protocols upon receiving a positive COVID-19 test result to help mitigate further spread.

The dramatic increase in positive COVID-19 cases is impacting the Public Health Contact Tracing Team’s ability to provide timely contact tracing services and issuance of Isolation & Quarantine Order letters. Moving forward, Inyo County Public Health will not be issuing letters to individuals.

It is important that infected individuals adhere to the following guidance to help mitigate further spread:

1. Stay Home and Isolate

  • Everyone—regardless of vaccination status, previous infection, or lack of symptoms: isolate for five (5) days.
  • Isolation can end after day five (5) – if symptoms are not present and a diagnostic test specimen* is collected on day five or later and the result is negative.
  • If symptoms are not resolving – continue to isolate until symptoms are resolving or until after day ten (10).
    • If fever is present, isolation should be continued until fever resolves.
  • If unable to test or choosing not to test and symptoms are not present or are resolving, isolation can end after day ten (10).

2. Notify Exposed Individuals

  • Notify all individuals that you have been in close contact with over the prior week before testing positive; including any indoor setting (with or without masks) and in close proximity (6 feet or less). Encourage them to test for COVID-19 infection.

3. Severe Symptoms

  • If your experience severe symptoms, such as shortness of breath or if your symptoms do not improve, contact your medical provider or report to the nearest Emergency Room.

The Public Health COVID-19 Contact Tracing Team will continue to provide contact tracing services as quickly as possible, but residents are encouraged to follow the guidance outlined above until they are contacted.

Isolation & Quarantine Orders are available for review and reference in [English] and [Spanish] on the Inyo County COVID-19 Orders & Guidance webpage.

*Antigen test preferred.

LINEAMIENTO ACTUALIZADO DEL DEPARTAMENTO DE SALUD PÚBLICA DEL CONDADO DE INYOPARA CASOS POSITIVOS DE COVID-19

(CONDADO DE INYO, 7 de enero de 2022) –Luego de un rápido incremento en los casos positivos de COVID-19, el Departamento de Salud Pública del Condado de Inyo está recomendando a los residentes y visitantes que sigan los lineamientos y protocolos adecuados al recibir un resultado positivo en una prueba de COVID-19 con el fin de ayudar a mitigar una mayor propagación.

El dramático aumento en los casos positivos de COVID-19 está impactando la capacidad del Equipo de rastreo de contactos del Departamento de Salud Pública para proporcionar sus servicios de rastreo de manera oportuna y emitir cartas de órdenes de Aislamiento y Cuarentena. De aquí en adelante, el Departamento de Salud Pública del Condado de Inyo no emitirá cartas a individuos.

Es importante que las personas que se infecten sigan los siguientes lineamientos para ayudar a mitigar una mayor propagación:

1. Quédese en casa y aíslese

  • Todos, sin importar el estatus de vacunación, una infección previa o la falta de síntomas: deben aislarse durante cinco (5) días.
  • El aislamiento puede finalizar después del día cinco (5) – si no hay síntomas y se recolecta una muestra para realizar una prueba de diagnóstico* el día cinco o después y se obtiene un resultado negativo.
  • Si los síntomas no han mejorado – continúe con el aislamiento hasta que los síntomas mejoren o después del día diez (10).
    • Si tiene fiebre, debe continuar con el aislamiento hasta que ya no la tenga.
  • Si no puede realizarse una prueba o elige no hacérsela y no tiene síntomas o estos están mejorando, puede finalizar el aislamiento después del día diez (10).

2. Notifique a las personas expuestas

  • Notifique a todas las personas con las que haya estado en contacto cercano durante la semana anterior antes de obtener el resultado positivo en la prueba; incluyendo cualquier lugar en interiores (con o sin el uso de mascarilla) y en proximidad cercana (6 pies de distancia o menos). Recomiéndeles que se hagan una prueba para infección por COVID-19.

3. Síntomas graves

  • Si tiene síntomas graves, como dificultad respiratoria o si los síntomas no mejoran, comuníquese con su proveedor de atención médica o repórtelo a la Sala de emergencias más cercana.

El Equipo de rastreo de contactos de COVID-19 del Departamento de Salud Pública seguirá proporcionando los servicios de rastreo de contactos tan pronto como sea posible, pero se recomienda a los residentes que sigan los lineamientos que se mencionaron anteriormente hasta que sean contactados.

Las Órdenes de Aislamiento y Cuarentena están disponibles para revisión y referencia [inglés] y [español] en la página web de Órdenes y lineamientos para COVID-19.

* Se prefiere la prueba de antígeno.

COVID-19 Prevention and Treatment in times of supply scarcity

(Inyo County, December 30, 2021) – COVID-19 Case Numbers throughout Inyo County are rising again, mirroring a recent trend seen throughout the United States. As the Omicron variant continues to spread rapidly through communities, Inyo County Health Officer Dr. James Richardson encourages residents and visitors to prioritize prevention measures: “The best way to reduce your risk of developing severe COVID-19 disease is to get vaccinated and get your booster shot. We also strongly encourage everyone to upgrade your mask to a well-fitting surgical mask, or better yet, a KN-95 or N-95 mask.”

Some promising therapeutics, including monoclonal antibody therapy and oral antiviral medications, have received emergency use authorization for treatment of COVID-19. However, these treatments and oral medications are in limited-to-no supply at this time, and Inyo County providers must prioritize these therapies for individuals at the highest risk for developing severe disease. While supplies are limited, prescriptions for therapies will be available on a first-come, first-served basis for those who meet medical criteria.

MONOCLONAL ANTIBODY THERAPY

Monoclonal antibodies are laboratory-made proteins that mimic the immune system’s ability to fight off harmful pathogens such as viruses. While not a miracle cure, studies show this medicine may be a promising COVID-19 treatment for certain high-risk individuals when taken within a specific window of time.

Sotrovimab, one particular monoclonal antibody therapy, is believed to be more effective in treating patients who have acquired the Omicron variant. Because this medication is in short supply, counties receive bi-weekly allocations from the Federal government. In Inyo County, the most recent allocation was 12 doses, and we expect that we will run out of this medication before the next allocation is received.

ORAL ANTIVIRAL MEDICATIONS

While availability across the nation is currently very limited as manufacturers begin to distribute this medication, it is expected to become available for eligible patients, by prescription, in the weeks ahead. Currently, no supply of this medication has been received locally.

Paxlovid is a take-at-home course of pills that does not prevent disease like vaccines do. Still, preliminary data shows it may reduce the risk of hospitalization and death by about 88% when the pills are started within five days of becoming sick, for patients at high risk of severe illness.

Molnupiravir is a set of take-at-home pills that does not prevent disease like vaccines do. Still, it may reduce the risk of severe illness (requiring hospitalization) and death by about 30% when the pills are started within five days of becoming sick.

If you have tested positive for COVID-19 and are at risk for developing severe symptoms due to your age or underlying health conditions, talk to your doctor about what available treatments may be right for you. Availability of these treatments is expected to steadily increase in the weeks ahead.

Several medications, including ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine, have been touted online as potential treatments for COVID-19, but these medications have not been proven effective in treating COVID-19. Providers cannot prescribe medications for the treatment of COVID-19 that have not been approved for that purpose.

For more information on COVID-19, including local case numbers, vaccine clinics, testing sites, and more, visit https://www.inyocounty.us/covid-19.

En Español

(Condado de Inyo, 30 de diciembre de 2021) – Los números de casos de COVID-19 en todo el Condado de Inyo están aumentando nuevamente, reflejando una tendencia reciente observada en los Estados Unidos. A medida que la variante Omicron continúa propagándose rápidamente por las comunidades, el Dr. James Richardson, oficial de salud del condado de Inyo, alienta a los residentes y visitantes a priorizar las medidas de prevención: “La mejor manera de reducir el riesgo de desarrollar la enfermedad grave de COVID-19 es vacunarse y obtener su inyección de refuerzo. También recomendamos encarecidamente a todos que actualicen su mascarilla por una mascarilla quirúrgica que se ajuste bien, o mejor aún, una mascarilla KN-95 o N-95.

Algunas terapias prometedoras, incluida la terapia con anticuerpos monoclonales y los medicamentos antivirales orales, han recibido autorización de uso de emergencia para el tratamiento de COVID-19. Sin embargo, estos tratamientos y medicamentos orales se encuentran en un suministro limitado o nulo en este momento, y los proveedores del condado de Inyo deben priorizar estas terapias para las personas con mayor riesgo de desarrollar una enfermedad grave. Si bien los suministros son limitados, las recetas para las terapias estarán disponibles por orden de llegada para quienes cumplan con los criterios médicos.

TERAPIA CON ANTICUERPOS MONOCLONALES

Los anticuerpos monoclonales son proteínas elaboradas en laboratorio que imitan la capacidad del sistema inmunológico para combatir patógenos dañinos como los virus. Si bien no es una cura milagrosa, los estudios muestran que este medicamento puede ser un tratamiento de COVID-19 prometedor para ciertas personas de alto riesgo cuando se toma dentro de un período específico.

Se cree que el Sotrovimab, una terapia de anticuerpos monoclonales en particular, es más eficaz en el tratamiento de pacientes que han adquirido la variante Omicron. Debido a que este medicamento es escaso, los condados reciben asignaciones quincenales del gobierno federal. En el Condado de Inyo, la asignación más reciente fue de 12 dosis y esperamos que nos quedemos sin este medicamento antes de recibir la siguiente asignación.

MEDICAMENTOS ANTIVIRALES ORALES

Si bien la disponibilidad en todo el país es actualmente muy limitada a medida que los fabricantes comienzan a distribuir este medicamento, se espera que esté disponible para los pacientes elegibles, con receta, en las próximas semanas. Actualmente, no se ha recibido ningún suministro de este medicamento a nivel local.

Paxlovid es un curso de píldoras para llevar en casa que no previene la enfermedad como lo hacen las vacunas. Aún así, los datos preliminares muestran que puede reducir el riesgo de hospitalización y muerte en aproximadamente un 88% cuando las píldoras se comienzan a tomar dentro de los cinco días posteriores a la enfermedad, para pacientes con alto riesgo de enfermedad grave.

Molnupiravir es un conjunto de píldoras para llevar en casa que no previene enfermedades como lo hacen las vacunas. Aún así, puede reducir el riesgo de enfermedad grave (que requiera hospitalización) y muerte en aproximadamente un 30% cuando las píldoras se comienzan a tomar dentro de los cinco días posteriores a la enfermedad.

Si dio positivo en la prueba de COVID-19 y corre el riesgo de desarrollar síntomas graves debido a su edad o afecciones de salud subyacentes, hable con su médico sobre los tratamientos disponibles que pueden ser adecuados para usted. Se espera que la disponibilidad de estos tratamientos aumente constantemente en las próximas semanas.

Varios medicamentos, incluida la ivermectina y la hidroxicloroquina, se han promocionado en línea como posibles tratamientos para el COVID-19, pero no se ha demostrado que estos medicamentos sean efectivos para tratar el COVID-19. Los proveedores no pueden recetar medicamentos para el tratamiento de COVID-19 que no hayan sido aprobados para ese propósito.

Para obtener más información sobre COVID-19, incluidos números de casos locales, clínicas de vacunas, sitios de prueba y más, visite https://www.inyocounty.us/covid-19.


State requires masking for all public indoor settings
in response to increasing case rates as of Dec. 15

  • With case rates increasing 47% since Thanksgiving, the California Department of Public Health will require universal masking to increase protection to individuals, families, and communities during the holidays.
  • Complete News Release: English \ En Español

(California Dept. of Public Health, Dec. 13, 2021, NR21-352) -- The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) continues to monitor COVID-19 data in order to protect the health and well-being of all Californians. Since Thanksgiving, the statewide seven-day average case rate has increased by almost half (47%) and hospitalizations have increased by 14%. In response to the increase in cases and hospitalizations, and to slow the spread of both Delta and the highly transmissible Omicron variant, CDPH has issued updated guidance to curb the spread of COVID-19 and its variants:

  • Beginning December 15, CDPH will require masks to be worn in all indoor public settings irrespective of vaccine status through January 15, 2022, at which point California will make further recommendations as needed in response to the pandemic.
  • Additionally, CDPH updated requirements for attending mega events, like concerts and sporting events. Prior to attending an event, attendees will now require either proof of vaccination, a negative antigen COVID-19 test within one day of the event, or a negative PCR test within two days of the event.
  • CDPH also issued a new travel advisory effective immediately to recommend that all travelers arriving in California test for COVID-19 within three to five days after arrival, regardless of their vaccination status.

NIHD relocates its vaccination clinics into The Rural Health Clinic
and the Northern Inyo Associates Pediatric Clinic as of Dec. 15

Vaccination clinics at NIHD will no longer be held in the hospital's Main Lobby on Tuesdays. The clinics will now be held on Wednesdays as noted below:

  • RURAL HEALTH CLINIC: Wednesdays - Noon To 1:00 PM
    Moderna Vaccine – age: 18+
    Book Now: MyTurn.ca.gov
    NIH - RHC is Offering Moderna:
    • First Dose
    • Second Dose
    • Booster Dose
    • Additional Dose
  • PEDIATRIC CLINIC: Wednesdays - 3:30 To 4:30 PM
    • Pediatric Pfizer – age: 5 to 11 ONLY
      Book Now: MyTurn.ca.gov
      NIH Pediatric Clinic is Offering Pediatric Pfizer:
      • First Dose
      • Second Dose
    • Pfizer Vaccine – age: 12 to 18 ONLY
      Book Now: MyTurn.ca.gov
      NIH Ped. Clinic is Offering Peds. Pfizer:
      • First Dose – anyone 12+
      • Second Dose – anyone 12+
      • Booster Dose – anyone 16+
      • Additional Dose – anyone 12+
  • For additional vaccination options within Inyo County from NIHD's trusted regional partners, please visit: inyocounty.us/vaccines/vaccine-clinics

California Crisis Care Continuum Guidelines

Status Level as of 01/12/2021: GREEN

Northern Inyo Healthcare District Incident Command has adopted the California Crisis Care Continuum Guidelines accessible via the following link here as well as the Crisis Care Guidelines Pre-Implementation Checklist located here. This includes the utilization of the stages of the crisis care continuum indicated in the guidelines and in California Department Public Health All Facilities Letter 20-91, and shown below ​

Northern Inyo Healthcare District Incident Command utilizes the crisis care continuum classifications (green/yellow/red) as both a communications and planning tool. The classifications allow us to communicate our status to our local authorities, and in turn, the public. In addition, the Northern Inyo Healthcare District Incident Command reviews current space, staffing, supplies, and level of care on a continual basis, at minimum once a week during Northern Inyo Healthcare District Incident Command meetings to ensure all members of are aware of the hospital’s current crisis care continuum stage.

Full Details - English

Full Details – Spanish