KZYX Local Coronavirus Update with Dr. Drew Colfax

On today's show Dr. Drew Colfax runs the local Coronavirus numbers and answers listener questions about how long you have to wait to get the booster after the vaccine, how the new covid strain is 70 percent more contagious, and whether or not people traveling through the area will stay in our hospitals if they come down with covid while visiting.

Show Notes

Mendocino County Numbers for 12-23-20
Total cases: 2292
New cases: 62
Active cases: 321
Pending Tests: 2600
Hospitalization: 17
ICU: 5
Isolation: 321
Quarantine: 450+
5.38% positivity rate
40 per 100,000
Deaths: 24

Mendocino Covid-19 Call Center: 707-472-2759

Testing:
Optumserv: Ukiah at the fairgrounds 7am to 7pm, seven days a week. Walk ins OK. Free. Website: https://lhi.care/covidtesting
Fort Bragg Veteran’s Hall December 18th and EVERY TUESDAY at 9am, Free, First come First Serve. Register at lhi.care/covidtesting

Calls:
  1. How many months after the vaccine will the booster be taken? It will be taken 3-4 weeks later depending which vaccine you get.
  2. Is it safe to get the vaccine if you are breastfeeding your baby? It hasn’t been studied yet, but the general consensus is that it is safe during both pregnancy and lactation based on how vaccines generally affect those groups of people.
  3. What does it mean for the new strain to be 70 percent more contagious? We don’t really know that 70 percent is based on population spread. We don’t know if it’s due to increased viral load or increased entree into the host cells.
  4. If someone is hospitalized in Mendocino County, will they stay inside the county for the hospitalization if they are from outside of the area. Why are more places open like beaches? Yes they will stay in the area but they will not be included in the county’s covid count. Outside activities like camping and beaches are now known to be low-risk activities and have been reopened.


What is KZYX Local Coronavirus Update with Dr. Drew Colfax?

From KZYX Mendocino County Public Broadcasting: Join Ukiah ER physician Dr. Drew Colfax every 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month for the latest local coronavirus numbers, insights about Mendocino county’s ongoing response, and reliable information about keeping yourself and the community safe during the pandemic. Alternates with Mind/Body Health with Dr. Marvin Trotter.