Citizens of Turlock, I want to let you know how proud I am of all of you for complying with the directives we have received from Governor Newsom’s office including sheltering in place and using social distancing to slow the spread of COVID-19. These are very difficult times for all of us, and in many cases devastating. We are all in this together and your mayor and council members are doing everything we can to provide up to date information to keep you informed.
Within the next few weeks, it is expected that we will see the number of COVID-19 cases in our city and county rise, as is true for most counties and cities in California. This trend is consistent with what we know about the Ro (pronounced R naught) of COVID-19, how contagious this infectious disease is. The City of Turlock is asking all citizens to please remain calm, maintain social distancing, and remember, if you do have a fever, cough or shortness of breath, contact your health care provider first. Further, we ask that you continue to honor the Governor’s order to shelter in place and venture out only for necessities including items such as groceries or medication.
Your public safety departments are ready and able to respond to any and all emergencies within the city. They have taken extra steps to reduce the spread of the virus while safely caring for the sick and injured. The City’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) has been activated to ensure that all appropriate and available protocols are in place for the safety of our citizens.
The City is working together coordinating with Emanuel Hospital and the County on a surge plan (this is a plan to ensure that everyone who needs advanced care is able to receive it in a timely manner when hospitals are over their normal capacity.) We are also working with local volunteer partners to distribute food and supplies to those in need. If you or someone you know is in need please call “211” or visit loveourneighbors.org. For those seniors in our community that are sheltering in place and need food, please contact United Samaritan Foundation at (209) 668-4853 to sign up for a food box.
It has become clear in the last few days that this will be a marathon, not a short-term sprint. I know we are already feeling weary, but we come together as a community to support and care for one another during this time. We must do whatever is possible to minimize the number of cases here in Turlock.
I would like to remind you that because this is a novel Coronavirus (we haven’t seen this before), the scientific and medical community is still learning about COVID-19. While we understand now that people can be contagious and not demonstrate symptoms, the following symptoms appear to be generally consistent:
— A fever over 100.4 degrees;
— A headache and sore throat;
— Difficulty breathing.
If you are experiencing more than one of these symptoms, do not panic. Most cases of COVID-19 are mild. However, it is smart to isolate yourself and monitor how you feel. Contact your primary care physician for direction. Your doctor may refer you for testing. A doctor’s referral is required in Stanislaus County for you to be tested. If you feel you need to go to the hospital, please go or call 911 for assistance.
The safety of our community is our primary concern, and we appreciate your patience during these extraordinary times. In addition, the City recommends the community access the following websites for current information regarding the virus in our region.
The city of Turlock website (https://cityofturlock.org/covid19/) also has links to vital information about the virus and other resources available in the area.
The Stanislaus County Health Service Agency is updating their site frequently. Their website is: www.schsa.org/publichealth/pages/corona-virus/.
