County Health Officer Dr. Robert Levin shares a message about COVID-19 therapeutics available to help reduce serious illness.

Since Tuesday, May 3^rd, 780 new COVID-19 cases have been reported and 20,474 new tests completed. There are 15 people hospitalized and 3 in the ICU.

There have been 6 new deaths of a 55 year old female, 63 year old male, 66 year old male, 71 year old female, 75 year old female, and a 94 year old female. We extend our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the community members who have passed away.

The R-effective for Ventura County is 1.13, which means that the spread of COVID is likely increasing. The R-effective for California is 1.04.

With the uptick in COVID-19 cases in CA, it’s important to take steps to protect yourself. Community members at higher risk of severe illness are encouraged to take additional precautions.

• Get vaccinated and boosted when you are due.
• Wear a well-fitting mask in crowded indoor public places.
• Meeting outdoors is safest. Improve ventilation indoors when possible.
• Take a COVID-19 test if you have symptoms or had an exposure.
• Stay home if you are sick or test positive for COVID-19.
• Talk to a health care provider about treatment options if you have symptoms.

84% of eligible community members (ages 5+) have received a 1st COVID vaccine dose

77.2% of eligible community members (ages 5+) have been fully vaccinated

Additional COVID-19 data is available at www.vcrecovers.org.

Testing: The State offers free COVID testing at over 20 sites in Ventura County. Register at https://lhi.care/covidtesting or by calling 888-634-1123. View the schedule of state testing sites at www.vcrecovers.org/testing. Appointments are not required for PCR testing. Rapid antigen testing is also offered by appointment at state sites.

Vaccines: Go to MyTurn.ca.gov or call 833-422-4255 to book a COVID vaccine appointment or to find a walk-in clinic near you.

Masks are strongly recommended indoors for all in California. The County of Ventura is aligned with state masking guidance. View the latest state masking guidance at https://covid19.ca.gov/masks-and-ppe/.

Treatments: If you have COVID-19 and are at high risk of severe illness, talk to your health care provider as soon as possible. Find Test to Treat locations that offer testing and prescriptions for oral antiviral pills at one location. For more information about treatments and how to get them, visit https://www.venturacountyrecovers.org/therapeutics/.

Today the Board of Supervisors honored National Nurses Week with a resolution thanking our extraordinary nurses for their daily contributions, sacrifices, and dedication to keeping our community healthy. We appreciate all nurses in VC for their monumental work!

Asian American Heritage Month

Spotlight on Karen Farin with our Environmental Health Division’s Body Art and Medical Waste programs! Karen, thank you for your 5 years of service to our county! “As a first-generation Filipino American, this is a time for me to honor all the hard work and sacrifices made by my parents and family immigrating from the Philippines for a better future here in America and to fulfill the American Dream. This month gives the Asian American/Pacific Islander community an opportunity to show our presence in VC and highlight our great contributions to this community. I feel very fortunate to serve in my hometown, Ventura County. I like to serve as a resource for the public and operators by providing tools to set them up for success and educate them on the importance of public health.”

During Mental Health Awareness month, Ventura County Behavioral Health is encouraging community members to learn more about what to do to support themselves or a loved one during tough times and to better manage their mental health year-round. Register for upcoming webinars and find local mental health resources at www.wellnesseveryday.org/news/community-webinars-mental-health-matters

It’s Bike Month! Help us improve bicycling and walking in Ventura County. Go toatplan.vcpublicworks.org to provide input and ideas to make it easier and safer to bike and walk in Ventura County!

To find out if you qualify or for more information, contact us at 888-472-4463 or visit vchsa.org/medi-cal.

Every family deserves to be supported and stay together whenever safe. Whether you’re seeking out resources to meet your daily needs or looking for long term, dedicated support, Strengthening VC Families is here to help.

Because when families are strengthened, they are able to stay together and thrive.

Reach out to learn more:www.StrengtheningVCFamilies.org

The County of Ventura invites the community to provide input on the County Seal redesign. A survey has been launched for residents to select their preferred design and/or upload their own design at www.ventura.org/seal.

The survey will be available until May 17, 2022. The Board will review final considerations at the May 24, 2022 Board of Supervisors meeting.

Check out Public Health’s vaccine clinic schedule at https://www.venturacountyrecovers.org/vaccine-information/

Find a vaccine site near you at MyTurn.ca.gov. More information at www.vcrecovers.org/vaccine. Check out our Outreach Toolkit at www.vcrecovers.org