Data for the dashboard will be updated quarterly, by 5 PM on the first business day of January, April, July, and October. Data for the current year are considered preliminary.

Data pertaining to cases are collected within the California Reportable Disease Information Exchange (CalREDIE), which is a California Department of Public Health (CDPH) system. Some outbreak information is supplemented with data extracted from California Connected (CalCONNECT), another CDPH system for COVID-19 case investigation and contact tracing. Vaccination data are extracted from the California Immunization Registry (CAIR). Data are extracted from both systems for all available dates until the day prior to reporting date.

Case classification is based on the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists (CSTE) surveillance definitions for suspect, probable, and confirmed COVID-19 cases. A case is considered confirmed if an individual tests positive using a PCR test. The definition of a probable case has changed over the course of the pandemic. This is due to changes in testing availability and understanding of the disease. The current definition of a probable case includes:

1. Individuals who tested positive with an antigen test
2. Has symptoms of COVID-19 and is a close contact of a confirmed case without a supporting test, or
3. Has COVID-19 listed on the California death certificate but no known test results.

These categories have been used previously to understand the makeup of the population. The categories were kept consistent to allow comparison across reports and data sources. Some categories are combined to protect confidentiality of cases.

Rates incorporate the size of the population in its calculation. This standardizes the numbers and thus allows us to compare across groups and jurisdictions.

There are a few key differences between the methods used to calculate the rates. First, the periods of evaluation are based on different time periods. California, including Monterey County Health Department, uses the date when an individual is considered a case to determine the 7-day time period for the calculation. To align methodologies across all states and territories, CDC uses the date when a case was reported to public health to determine the 7-day period for the calculation. This date of report may lag the date someone is considered a case by at least 1 week. Second, CDC calculates the rate aggregated over the 7-day period while CDPH and MCHD calculate the rate as an average over the 7-day period. Both methods provide a valid and accurate measure of case rate.

There are a few reasons why information may take some time to be recorded.

• An individual may not get tested the day their symptoms began.
• There are multiple case reporting authorities such as laboratories, physician offices, hospitals, coroner’s offices, schools, businesses, etc. Time to a report may differ by these entities. MCHD also reviews and verifies that reported cases meet standard definitions for a COVID-19 confirmed case, hospitalization, or death. There are multiple levels of verification, which include county and statewide reviews, that can take some time and affect historical data.
• Data are periodically reviewed for accuracy and completeness. Sometimes these reviews identify missing cases or duplicate cases. Sometimes a case is changed from probable to confirmed based on new information. These data cleaning processes result in adjustments to the overall case counts.

County of Monterey Health Department collects, manages, and disseminates a wide range of data. These data include personal characteristics of individuals who have a legal right to privacy. Less obvious qualities in data sets and elements that may be used to identify individuals or groups of individuals can present as uniqueness in data. Individual uniqueness in the released data and in the population is a quality that helps distinguish one person from another and is directly related to re-identification of individuals in aggregate data. Monterey County Health Department’s Public Health Bureau follows its Confidentiality and Data Security Protocol. This protocol is based on the California Health and Human Services’ Data De-Identification Guidelines and the Family Health Outcomes Project’s Guidelines for Statistical Analysis of Public Health Data with Attention to Small Numbers.

Isolation separates sick people with a contagious illness from people who are not sick. Quarantine separates and restricts the movement of people who were exposed to an infectious disease during the period of time when they might become sick. Isolation and quarantine have been used for many years to control the spread of infectious diseases like measles, chickenpox and tuberculosis. They are important tools to help protect the health of our communities.

If you have symptoms of COVID-19 and test positive, you should stay home and away from others (isolate) until you have not had a fever for at least 24 hours without using fever-reducing medications AND other COVID-19 symptoms are mild and improving. Please wear a well-fitting mask around others for at least 5 days after your fever ended and your symptoms improved. Avoid contact with people at higher risk for COVID-19 for another 5 days after your fever ended and your symptoms improved. Seek treatment if your symptoms are severe or if you are at high risk for severe COVID-19. Schools, some businesses, and healthcare facilities may have additional requirements.

If you tested positive for COVID-19 but don’t have any symptoms, unless required by your employer, you do not need to isolate. Please wear a well-fitting mask around others for 5 days following your positive test. Schools, some businesses, and health care facilities may have additional, more protective requirements.

If you test negative for COVID-19 and have symptoms, please stay home until you are fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications and until your symptoms have improved. Wear a well-fitting mask if you must be around others.

If you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, please wear a mask for at least 10 days. Consider getting tested 2-4 days after exposure. Monitor for signs and symptoms of COVID-19 for 14 days from the date you were last exposed.

 

There may be a few income assistance funds and isolation resources available for those who are eligible. Please call 2-1-1 to see if you qualify.

If you are unable to isolate yourself from other members of your household, especially those who may be at risk of severe COVID-19, please wear a well-fitted mask while in the household. Take steps to increase circulation of fresh in the household including opening windows when weather allows.

It varies from person to person.  There are no definitive studies that predict the length of immunity after infection. Many factors contribute to durability of immunity including age, vaccination status, and characteristics of the variant of COVID-19.  It’s important to continue risk reduction activities like wearing a face covering even if you have had COVID-19 recently.

Click here for information about when and where to wear a mask.

Persons younger than two years old should not wear a mask because of the risk of suffocation.

Please visit the CDPH website to review the complete CDPH masking guidance, as well as a link to Frequently Asked Questions.

Please visit the CDPH website to review the complete CDPH masking guidance

Any face covering or mask that feels wet or becomes saturated with wet should be changed immediately.

Information can be found on the California Department of Public Health’s website at

Cloth masks should be tight fitting and made of materials that filter out small particles. Good cloth masks have:

• Two layers of tightly woven cotton with a third layer of non-woven fabric. The third layer could be a mask filter insert or a synthetic fabric such as polypropylene.
• Nose wires to reduce gaps from the nose.
• Adjustable ear loops or straps that go around the head to reduce caps from the face.

Face coverings without these features should not be used in higher risk situations if other options are available. Examples of less effective face coverings are two-layer cotton masks, bandanas, and gaiters.

Disposable masks include various types of loose-fitting materials. Look for the following when buying disposable masks:

• Masks with three layers of non-woven material,
• An adjustable nose bridge, and
• Masks with ties rather than loops for the ears may provide a closer fit than ear loops.

KN95s are a type of international respiratory that has not gone through the same strict testing as N95 respirators. Testing of KN95s by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has shown that more than half of KN95s tested did not filter particles as well as the manufacturers claimed. If you choose to use a KN95, look for one that has been tested by NIOSH and has a minimum “filtration efficiency” of 95% or higher.

N95 respirators are highly effective in preventing the spread of COVID-19, if they are fitted well. Make sure to choose one that is NIOSH-approved. Choose a size and model that fits your face and has no gaps. Test it by doing a seal check to make sure it fits. If you wear an N95 respirator, you should not wear an additional face covering over or under the respirator.

It depends on the level of COVID-19 transmission in the community and the setting in which the mask is being worn. The table below compares the effectiveness of the different types of masks.

Rapid antigen tests detect proteins associated with your body’s response to exposure to the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19. It can be done in a hospital, doctor’s office, at home, or community testing site. Results are usually available in 15 to 30 minutes. Antigen tests are most likely to be positive when a person's body is at its peak response to the virus.

A PCR test is most accurate way to test for COVID-19; however, it can take a little longer to get results. PCR tests detect the SARS-CoV-2 virus’ genetic material (RNA). A “NAAT” is a type of PCR, and sometimes people use these terms interchangeably. PCR tests can be done in a hospital, doctor’s office, or community testing site. Results are usually available in 1 to 3 days. PCR tests may continue to be positive after a person is no longer considered infectious.

Generally speaking, if you need results quickly, a rapid antigen test may be the best option. Rapid tests are more likely to give accurate results when you have symptoms or when used repeatedly every 3 to 5 days following an exposure (for up to 14 days). PCR tests are able to detect very small amounts of virus in your body and therefore sometimes catch infections that may be missed with a rapid antigen test.

In most cases, it means that you have been exposed to COVID-19 and may be infectious. False positive tests are very rare for rapid antigen tests but do occur. You can consider repeating the test 2 to 3 days later. However, if you have symptoms, it is recommended that you isolate until you have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of anti-fever medications and your symptoms improve. If you do not have any symptoms, you do not need to isolate. However, in either case, you should wear a well-fitting mask for at least 5 days if you don't have symptoms or for at least 5 days after your fever ends when you are in contact with others.

If you are sick and have a negative rapid antigen test, you may have another type of respiratory virus infection. You should stay home until you have not had a fever for 24 hours without using fever-reducing medications and your symptoms are improving. You may consider repeating the test in 2-3 days.

Testing recommendations are divided into 4 groups:

• Who is Required to Be Tested:
  • Employees required to participate in screening testing by employer policy or by CalOSHA COVID-19 non-emergency standards.
• Who is Recommended to Be Tested:
  • Anyone who has symptoms of COVID-19, even if they are fully vaccinated.
  • Anyone who has been around someone with symptoms of COVID-19 or around someone who tested positive for COVID-19, even if they are fully
  vaccinated.
  • Anyone who has been told by their medical provider or local health department that they should be tested.
• Others Who Might Consider Being Tested:
  • Anyone who recently attended a large indoor party or gathering or is planning to attend a large gathering. Testing should occur 3-5 days before the event and 3-5 days afterward.
  • Individuals who have traveled. Testing is most effective when it occurs 1 to 2 days before leaving and within 3 to 5 days after returning.
• Who Does Not Need to Be Tested:
  • People who have tested positive for COVID-19 within the last 30 days and recovered do not need to get tested, as long as they do not develop new symptoms of COVID-19. Exceptions are those required to test during the 30 day post diagnosis period by CalOSHA COVID-19 non-emergency standards or by employer policy.

   

Vaccination is a safe and effective way to prevent disease.  COVID-19 vaccines are very effective at preventing hospitalizations and deaths.  Vaccines save millions of lives each year.  When we get vaccinated, we aren’t just protecting ourselves, but we are also protecting those around us.

Currently, all individuals 6 months of age and older are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.

If you registered for an appointment online, please bring a copy of your appointment confirmation or be able to access it at the clinic on a mobile device. It should show the date, time, and location of your appointment.

COVID-19 vaccine is being given to all Monterey County residents regardless of immigration status. You should not be asked about your immigration status.

If this is your second or booster dose appointment, please bring a copy of your COVID-19 vaccine card with you so your vaccine service provider can fill in information about your second or booster dose.

Keep your vaccination card in case you need it for future use. Consider taking a picture of your vaccination card as a backup copy.

Go to California's Digital COVID-19 Vaccine Record portal. Just enter a few details in the portal https://myvaccinerecord.cdph.ca.gov/ to get a link to a QR code and digital copy of your COVID-19 vaccination record. The portal provides only a digital copy of your vaccine record. If you have any more questions about your Digital COVID-19 Vaccine Record, visit the FAQ page https://myvaccinerecord.cdph.ca.gov/faq

You can also contact the California Immunization Registry (CAIR2). CAIR2 is a secure, confidential, statewide computerized immunization information system for California residents. CAIR2 Website: https://cairweb.org Email: CAIRHelpdesk@cdph.ca.gov Phone: 800-578-7889 /

Call 2-1-1. They can provide assistance finding a vaccination service provider.

Being "up to date" depends on your age and the type(s) of COVID-19 vaccination you have received. Visit the CDC's website https:// https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html/ to determine if you are up to date.

 

The following are acceptable as proof of vaccination:

• Vaccination card which includes the name of the person vaccinated, type of vaccine provided, and the date of the doses administered; or
• A photo of a vaccination card as a separate document; or
• A photo of a vaccination card stored on a phone or electronic device; or
• Documentation of vaccination from a healthcare provider.

 

Most insurance plans will continue to cover COVID-19 vaccinations. Medi-Cal managed care plan members will receive COVID-19 vaccinations with no share of cost. Some private insurances may require a share of cost or copayment. Check with your insurance to see what your plan covers. Vaccines for Children (VFC) program providers will administer COVID-19 immunizations to children who are uninsured, Medi-Cal eligible, and Medi-Cal recipients. Uninsured adults can use the Bridge Access Program at participating pharmacies through August 2024

COVID19 vaccinations are available at doctors' offices, medical clinics, and neighborhood pharmacies. Visit www.Vaccines.gov/ to find a location near you.

A single booster dose of any of the available COVID-19 vaccines may be administered as a mix and match (heterologous) booster dose following completion of primary vaccination with a different available COVID-19 vaccine. The eligible populations and dosing interval for a mix and match booster dose are the same as those authorized for a booster dose of the vaccine used for primary vaccination.

Yes, the Digital COVID-19 Vaccine Record has been updated and will show all dose that have been administered. Your downloaded vaccine record will not automatically update, so a new version will need to be downloaded to reflect that you have received a booster dose.

We recommend waiting 14 days for your new dose to show up in the California Immunization Registry.

No, even when you are up-to-date with vaccination, risk reduction activities are still important to keep all Californians safe. Vaccines are not 100% effective, so taking steps to reduce your risk like face mask when transmission levels are high and washing hands frequently helps protect everyone from contracting COVID-19 and becoming seriously ill.

Pregnant persons are eligible and are encouraged to discuss their individual benefits and risks of vaccination with their medical providers.

The side effects from the updated COVID-19 vaccine are the same mild side effects experienced when receiving the initial vaccine doses. A sore arm at the injection site and mild flu-like symptoms are normal and demonstrate that your body is rebuilding immunity to COVID-19.

Individuals 6 months-of-age and older are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Parents should contact their child’s medical provider to schedule a vaccination appointment, check with their local pharmacy, or go to www.Vaccines.gov/ to find a location near you.

Getting your child vaccinated for COVID-19 is very similar to getting them vaccinated other diseases such as measles, chickenpox, and whooping cough. We recommend that you:

• Talk to your child before vaccination about
• Avoid giving pain relievers before vaccination, since it is not known how over-the-counter medications might affect how well the COVID-19 vaccines work.
• Tell the nurse about any allergies your child may have.
• Wait at the clinic for at least 15 minutes after receiving the vaccine so health care professionals can monitor your child.

A parent or legal guardian must accompany children 5 to 17 years of age to provide consent for vaccination.

If parents cannot accompany their minor children, some clinics allow parents to write a statement giving another adult authorization to make decisions about their child’s medical care including vaccination on their behalf. That designated adult can bring the written statement and proof of identification to the vaccination appointment with the child. Parents should call the clinic to see if this is allowed.

Make sure your health care provider knows you would like to receive vaccinations at their office. They may consider offering this service if they know it is requested by their patients. Parents can follow the Health Department on Twitter for announcements about vaccine availability (@MCHDPIO). If your child’s pediatrician is offering vaccination, ask to schedule an appointment or to be placed on a waiting list or to receive an email/text when vaccine is available. Check in periodically with your local pharmacy to see if they are offering vaccines to children or visit www.Vaccines.gov/ to find a location near you. Lastly, we encourage parents to continue to practice COVID-19 prevention strategies with their families while waiting for a vaccine appointment.