HomeMy WebLinkAbout03.26.20 Email from Danette York - Changing how Public Health reports testing numbers
From:York, Danette
To:Alpert, Bruce;Bennett, Robin;Clerk of the Board;Connelly, Bill;Cook, Holly;Lambert, Steve;Lucero, Debra;
McCracken, Shari;Ring, Brian;Ritter, Tami;Rodas, Amalia;Sweeney, Kathleen;Teeter, Doug;McCracken, Shari
Cc:Hatcher, Casey;Almaguer, Lisa;Miller, Andrew
Subject:Changing how Public Health reports testing numbers
Date:Thursday, March 26, 2020 10:15:29 AM
Dear Supervisors,
As this event continues to evolve and expand, Public Health continues to make adjustments on how
we balance the work needed to be performed and providing accurate information to the public and
our partners. We are now at a point where we need to change what numbers we are reporting out.
We will begin pushing out the following message immediately:
COVID-19 Tests
The Butte County Department of Public Health has been reporting numbers for COVID-19 tests in
Butte County including positive tests, negative tests, and pending tests. This was only being reported
for tests known to Public Health. People in Butte County are being tested for COVID-19 following
guidance from the California Department of Public Health. Tracking the numbers of tests and those
that are negative and pending is difficult, time consuming and does not alter the local Public Health
response or the guidance to the community to stay at home to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Public Health will continue to receive and report positive COVID-19 results and work on containment
practices while the community does its part to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Public Health will
also continue to advocate for additional testing in our communities while waiting on the equipment
and material to test within our own Public Health Lab. However, Public Health can no longer
dedicate the time it takes to mine data in order to accurately report the number of Butte County
residents who have received a test and determine how many of those tests are negative or still
pending.
Samples are being taken in Butte County (testing occurs at a lab outside Butte County)
Healthcare providers perform a clinical assessment and make the determination whether a COVID-
19 test is needed. The California Department of Public Health provides guidance to healthcare
providers for determining when to test given the limited ability to perform tests. See guidance
online.
Thank you for your continued support during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Danette York
Public Health Director
BUTTE COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH
202 Mira Loma Drive | Oroville, CA 95965
T:530.552.3820
COVID-19 Call Center: 530.552.3050 open 8 am – 5 pm everyday
“Nationally Accredited, 09/13/17”
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