To stay informed about the COVID-19 vaccine in SLO County:

• Visit our County's vaccine website to schedule your vaccine
• Read about the leading vaccines here
• Subscribe to the County’s COVID-19 email updates
• Follow the Public Health Department on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook
• Regularly check our vaccine page
• Call the Public Health Information Line at (805) 788-2903

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person and is very contagious. 

The more a person interacts with others, especially when they are unvaccinated, and the longer that interaction lasts, the higher the risk of COVID-19 spread in the community. Risk is also affected by factors such as background rates of infection in the community and compliance with mitigation strategies. The COVID-19 vaccines are very effective in preventing symptomatic infections. Studies show they prevent 90%-98% of hospitalizations and deaths and they reduce transmission of all variants. If you are eligible for a booster, you should receive it as soon as possible, since breakthrough infections are on the rise. Read more about boosters HERE.

Unvaccinated persons are more likely to get infected, have serious illness, and spread the virus.

There are several important measures to slow the spread: COVID-19 vaccines are the MOST important! Consider wearing a mask, especially indoors, when community transmission is moderate or high AND if you've been recently exposed to someone with COVID-19. If you have symptoms of Covid-19, were recently exposed, or traveled, get tested! It is best to test 3 days after your last known exposure and begin quarantine immediately if you develop symptoms until your results come back.

Click here for quarantine and isolation guidelines.

COVID-19 is thought to spread mainly through close contact between people (within about 6 feet). People who are infected, but do not show symptoms, can spread the virus to others, which makes the virus spread easily.

When people with COVID-19 cough, sneeze, sing, talk, or breathe they produce respiratory droplets. Infections occur mainly through exposure to respiratory droplets, when a person is in close contact with someone who has COVID-19 and is unvaccinated. Immunity following vaccination may decrease over time, so getting a booster is an important protective step if you have been previously vaccinated and are eligible for a booster. Some infections can be spread by exposure to the virus in small droplets and particles that linger in the air, called airborne transmission. Good ventilation and taking precautions when engaging in higher risk activities (like exercise, singing, and some musical instruments) will improve the spread from airborne transmission. Less commonly, it may spread from contact with contaminated surfaces. Learn what is known about how COVID-19 spreads

Symptoms

People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19 and should get tested and isolate:

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea
  ***This list does not include all possible symptoms. CDC will continue to update this list as we learn more about COVID-19.

Coronavirus Self-Checker: A tool to help you make decisions

People infected with COVID-19 should receive supportive care AT HOME to help relieve symptoms unless their condition worsens and they need to seek medical care outside of their home. 

Look for emergency warning signs for COVID-19. If someone is showing any of these signs, seek emergency medical care immediately:

• Trouble breathing
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
• New confusion
• Inability to wake or stay awake
• Bluish lips or face

*This list is not all possible symptoms. Please call your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you.

Call 911 or call ahead to your local emergency facility: Notify the operator that you are seeking care for someone who has or may have COVID-19.

Test to Treat Locations in SLO County:

Test to Treat services include rapid testing for COVID-19, a medical consultation as appropriate, and Paxlovid anti-viral pills, if indicated.

Test to Treat provides prompt treatment for people age 65 and older and those with health conditions that increase the risk for severe COVID-19. If you are at high risk and experience symptoms, don't delay: this treatment must be started within five days of first symptoms.

More information can be found HERE.

Test to Treat locations in SLO County include:

• SLO County Community Testing Sites - details below (888-634-1123):
  o    Grover Beach
  o    Paso Robles
  o    San Luis Obispo  
• BestCare Pharmacy in Arroyo Grande (805-481-5050)
• Cambria Drug & Gift (805-927-7283)
• Community Health Centers of the Central Coast (CHC) sites:
  • CHC Arroyo Grande Walk-In Immediate Care
  • CHC Cambria
  • CHC Los Robles Immediate Care, in Paso Robles
  • CHC Templeton Immediate Care
• Med Plus Atascadero / Dignity Health Urgent Care (805-461-2131)
• Med Plus Medical Center Pismo Beach / Dignity Health Urgent Care (805-474-8450)
• MedStop Urgent Care in San Luis Obispo (805-549-8880)

CDC advises that the best way to prevent infection is become vaccinated and get your booster. If you are unable to receive a vaccine, avoid being exposed to the virus. 

Here are everyday actions to help prevent the spread of COVID 19:

• Everyone is eligible for a vaccine. Go to https://myturn.ca.gov/ to schedule your vaccine now. If you were previously vaccinated, you may be eligible for a booster. Get your booster as soon as possible.
• Stay home, get tested, and isolate from others when sick and avoid close contact with people who are sick. Stay home for at least five days if you are sick. Click here to learn if you are ready to end home isolation.
• The latest pubic health orders from SLO County can be found HERE.

• People exposed to COVID 19 should be tested 3-5 days after exposure. If you have been exposed follow county quarantine guidelines. 
• If you are sick with even mild symptoms of COVID-19, please contact your medical provider. Testing is FREE and available through the state, click here for more information on testing locations and to register.
•  Students may request a telehealth appointment by visiting our virtual lobby, click here. Or contact: studenthealthcenter@cuesta.edu. Please note, we are closed between semesters from May 21st to June 13th.
• If you are having trouble getting tested or you are not able to register online, please call the County Public Health Department at 805-781-5500. 
• Always isolate at home until you know your results. If you have been exposed get tested 3-5 days after exposure and follow quarantine orders. 

If you test positive for COVID 19, stay home until: 

• Follow the Public Health Directives for SLO County. Click here for isolation guidelines.

The COVID-19 pandemic has been stressful and isolating for many people. Gatherings during celebrations or holidays can be an opportunity to reconnect with family and friends. This season, consider how your plans can be modified to reduce the spread of COVID-19 to keep your friends, families, and communities healthy and safe. Click here to learn more

• Visit safe resource websites such as the CDC and recommended resources (see below)
• Keep track of your symptoms
• If you have an emergency warning sign (including trouble breathing), get emergency medical care immediately