WINNEMUCCA —For the most part, many aspects of life are completely back to normal, but the world is still adapting to a post-pandemic attitude and many have grown weary of the suggestions from medical professionals that are still concerning to the community. At the Humboldt County Commissioners Special Meeting on June 24, the Board was updated by Dr. Charles Stringham regarding the current status of the Humboldt County response to COVID-19, with Chairman Jim French absent and the rest of the board present. The State of Emergency Status for Humboldt County had previously been terminated at the Board’s June 6 meeting and was terminated by Nevada Governor, Steve Sisolak, on May 20, 2022 for the State.
“I know that the biggest single threat that we face as a community, and I think most communities have, is the amount of viral burnout and burnout amongst citizens. People are just really sick of this. They’re having a very difficult time with the virus and the limitations involved and various other things,” said Dr. Stringham.
“The entire state of Nevada has made the recommendation that five days in quarantine is ample, but when we actually look at the data, and how long people remain infectious, it’s probably closer to ten or even 15 days in some cases,” said Stringham. “I don’t think it’s appropriate for us to mandate that people remain in quarantine for any longer than 5 days, but I do think we need to provide a gentle reminder of what the science is showing and while I don’t believe we should force people to stay in quarantine, I do think we should inform people about what the risks are so that those people can go on to make their own decisions.”
Commissioner Ron Cerri expressed concerns about recommending a longer quarantine because it could compound the number of people that will not test for the virus, knowing that their employers may follow suit with recommendations and require them to stay home from for a longer period of time that they might not get paid for, as well as the stigma that is attached to infection.
Stringham explained that long-COVID, or the instances where people develop lingering respiratory symptoms that don’t resolve after the virus goes away, is the main concern, rather than death as the primary threat.
“People are left with shortness of breath and exercise intolerance among various other issues and that’s really what my concern is,” explained Dr. Stringham. “Our vaccinations don’t seem to be working very well as they had with previous variants. This variant has the ability to break through a person that has been vaccinated.”
After further discussion, Commissioner Hill voiced his own concern that recommending a longer quarantine, which may be safer, will only cause confusion and possible conflict because of State recommendations.
Dr. Strungham explained to the board that a KN95 mask, which is designed to filter air-borne particles, is his strongest recommendation, as is avoiding gathering in large crowds without the masks.
The Board collectively agreed that there would be no mandates, but that Dr. Stringham would work with Vicechair Ken Tipton to draft information about education involving the virus and the current situation, although the Board did not have to take any action on the item.
“At every point, we have always left the primary choices up to the individual and I believe we should still continue to do that; I think that is one area that Humboldt County has continued to shine,” said Dr. Stringham.