Inyo County’s Public Health Officer Dr. James Richardson received notification this morning (April 15) from Northern Inyo Healthcare District regarding five new positive COVID-19 cases for Inyo County residents. The current total of positive COVID-19 case in Inyo County is now at 17. All five patients presented to Northern Inyo Healthcare District’s Rural Health Clinic with symptoms associated with COVID-19, and were tested for COVID-19 based on symptoms and other risk-factors.

Inyo County Public Health is working to determine the source of the infection for each of the new cases, and conducting investigations to identify potential exposures and notify contacts. At this time all five patients are currently isolated at home. As of April 14, Inyo County has 21 tests pending and 147 negative cases. The turnaround time on test results is approximately 48 hours at this time.

The public must continue to practice preventative measures such as wearing a cloth or fabric face mask when conducting essential activities outside the home, avoiding contact with sick individuals, wash hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, practicing social distancing, and adherence to State and County Orders. If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, such as fever, coughing or shortness of breath, and think you may have had contact with a person with COVID-19, call your health care provider before seeking medical care so that appropriate precautions can be taken.

The County of Inyo, Northern Inyo Healthcare District, and Unified Command partners are committed to keeping Inyo County residents up to date with the most accurate information. Residents are encouraged to visit https://www.inyocounty.us/covid-19 for the most recent press releases and community updates. They can also register their email so they receive all Inyo County COVID-19 information by clicking either "Situation Update" or "Press Releases" from the left-side menu.