Coronavirus information

2/17/2023

WSMC patients and community members, as the state of California and the federal government end their state of emergency orders for Covid we are taking our time to update you on the current status of Covid in our community.

Omicron and other more recent variants continue to circulate in our community. The best protection continues to be vaccination. For effective vaccination against these current strains all people should have a bivalent booster. The numbers of those who have received that booster are very low, especially for those under 65 years of age. We offer vaccines without an appointment in out Grass Valley clinic and with an appointment in Auburn, Downieville and Kings Beach.

Tests are widely available currently. As long as supplies last, we will continue to provide free home tests to anyone in the community who requests one at our front desk. If you do test positive for Covid early treatment is key.

Masking Requirements

All patients, staff and visitors at WSMC over 2 years of age are required to wear a well-fitting face mask that fully covers the nose and mouth.*  As a precautionary measure, we screen all that enter a WSMC faciltiy.

*Certain medical exemptions apply. Please bring documentation of your medical exemption with you to the clinic. If you can’t wear a mask, please be ready to do your visit outdoors or by phone at your provider’s discretion.

COVID Treatment with Paxlovid

Paxlovid can decrease the rate of hospitalization and death by 89%. Getting a prescription is easy. You may make a telehealth appointment or come into the Urgent Care to see if Paxlovid is a treatment option for you. The prescription may be picked up the WSMC pharmacy in Grass Valley or the community pharmacy of your choice. These services are available for WSMC patients and community members alike.

Informational links below provided by California Department of Public Health(CDPH)

Therapeutics Myths and Facts (phcdocs.org)

CDPH COVID-19 Test to Treat Telehealth Program (phcdocs.org)

COVID Vaccines and Boosters

Our vaccination program is available to ANYONE that wants a vaccine, no matter if an established patient or not.  We are currently offering COVID vaccine boosters for those that are eligible. Please see the COVID Booster Vaccine Clinic schedule below.  The Flu vaccine is also available during these times.

 844 Old Tunnel Road in Grass Valley

• • Monday through Friday: Accepting walk-ins from 1 pm to 4 pm.  (Wait times may vary.)

3111 Professional Drive in Auburn

• • Monday through Thursday: Accepting appointments from 10 am to 12 pm.

Other Locations

• • We offer vaccines in Downieville, King’s Beach, and Penn Valley by appointment only.  Please call to schedule.

Appointments can also be scheduled with Dokimos and the Nevada County Public Health Department at myturn.ca.gov.

Click here for a vaccine informational fact sheet

More information is available on the following county websites:

https://www.mynevadacounty.com/3148/Get-Vaccine-Information

https://www.placer.ca.gov/vaccineclinics

https://www.sierracounty.ca.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=427

COVID Testing

At WSMC, we take your health and safety seriously.  If you are experiencing potential symptoms of COVID 19 you may use an at home Covid test and then call in for a telehealth appointment for further treatment. If you do not have access to an at home test you may come to our urgent care 7 days a week for testing and treatment. Free home tests are also available at our front desk.

For more information, visit California Department of Public Health Testing Guidance: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/COVID-19/Updated-COVID-19-Testing-Guidance.aspx

For Instructions on Isolation and Care of Upper Respiratory Symptoms

https://www.mynevadacounty.com/3068/Quarantine-and-Isolation-Guidance 

We appreciate your cooperation with our safety guidelines of wearing face coverings when entering our buildings.  We appreciate all your efforts to socially distance yourself when at home or out in public.  And most of all, we appreciate your patience and kindness with all our staff and each other.

You can help the prevention efforts by:

• Avoiding close contact with people who are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• STAY HOME when you are sick, except to get medical care.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

Symptoms of the coronavirus can include, fever, cough, and shortness of breath.  These symptoms are usually mild and can be treated at home.  We encourage you to stay home and call us if you have questions at 530-274-9762.