New daily cases of COVID-19 in Stanislaus County continue to decline. Currently, Stanislaus County has an adjusted case rate of 15.7 per 100,000 people, and a positivity rate (seven-day average) of 6.3 percent, for the week of March 2, 2021. The County’s testing positivity rate meets the State’s metric to advance to the red tier; however, the adjusted case rate does not. The State requires Stanislaus County to meet the red tier metric in both measures for two consecutive weeks in order to advance.

Stanislaus County Public Health would like to remind residents that testing remains a vital tool in reducing the spread of COVID-19. When more people get tested for COVID-19, more people are made aware of their status, since people who are asymptomatic contribute to the spread. Individuals who test positive can isolate themselves to avoid spreading COVID-19 to others. While reducing the spread of disease, increased testing will also help Stanislaus County advance to the next red tier, as it will improve the “adjustment” of the County’s case rate.

“Recently, vaccines have taken over the public spotlight, but we cannot forget the other prevention strategies that are important to end this pandemic,” said Public Health Officer Dr. Julie Vaishampayan. “Robust community testing is still needed to help stop the spread of disease, while also allowing our County to reopen businesses, schools, and restore our communities.”

People should get tested for COVID-19 if they:

• Are experiencing any symptoms,

• Have been exposed to someone with COVID-19,

• Regularly interact with the public at work, or

• Have attended a gathering with people from different households.

People can get tested for free at any Stanislaus County testing site. Same day appointments are currently available at all sites.

To make an appointment, call (888) 634-1123, or visit http://schsa.org/coronavirus/testing/

County-run testing sites are offered in Turlock, Salida and Modesto.