Yolo County recommends wearing a high-quality mask that fits well to protect against COVID-19 amidst rising levels of SARS-CoV in wastewater. Photo courtesy of California Department of Public Health

YOLO COUNTY, CA (MPG) - Yolo County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) is urging residents to take extra precautions as COVID-19 activity increases, particularly in West Sacramento.

Wastewater testing showed high levels of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, in Sacramento and West Sacramento earlier this month. Levels in Davis and Woodland are increasing but remain at the medium level. Emergency department visits for fever with cough or sore throat are also climbing, reflecting a broader summer COVID-19 wave across California.

Yolo County’s Health Officer, Dr. Aimee Sisson, recommends that everybody over age two years old wear a mask around others in indoor public spaces when wastewater levels of SARS-CoV-2 are high. When wastewater levels are medium, Dr. Sisson recommends that individuals at high risk of severe COVID-19 (older adults, people with underlying medical conditions or people with weakened immune systems) as well as people who come into frequent contact with high-risk individuals, wear masks indoors.

“California is experiencing a summer COVID wave,” said Dr. Aimee Sisson, Yolo County Health Officer. “Based on current wastewater levels of the virus that causes COVID-19, I recommend that everybody in West Sacramento wear a mask when they are around others in indoor public spaces. I also recommend that people in the rest of Yolo County wear masks when they are around others indoors if they are 65 or older, have a weakened immune system, have an underlying medical condition that puts them at a greater risk of severe COVID-19, or spend time around people who fall into these categories.”

Wearing a high-quality mask such as an N95, KN95 or KF94 that fits well continues to provide strong protection. Vaccination remains one of the most effective ways to prevent severe disease and death from COVID-19. While the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved an updated vaccine for the 2025-26 season, doses are not yet available; some providers may still offer the 2024-25 vaccine. Dr. Sisson continues to recommend that everybody six months and older get vaccinated against COVID-19 annually. However, COVID vaccine eligibility and insurance coverage are currently in flux as federal entities issue updated vaccine approvals and recommendations.

Wastewater in Yolo County is monitored for several different viruses by Wastewater SCAN at the City of Davis Wastewater Treatment Plant, the Woodland Water Pollution Control Facility and the Sacramento Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant. Check local wastewater data at www.WasteWaterScan.org.

For more information on COVID-19,  visit www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Immunization/nCoV2019.aspx.