LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — As the summer COVID-19 surge shows signs of slowing, the Lake County Health Services Department is continuing to urge people to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

In a Friday statement, Dr. Gary Pace, MD, who continues to offer interim Public Health officer services to the county, and the Lake County Health Services Department said the slowing of the surge on the statewide and local levels is encouraging, but the virus remains widespread in Lake County.

“Settings that bring together people from numerous households carry risk. On-site learning resuming at local schools has certainly led to an increase in circulation of the virus. Last weekend’s County Fair may likewise lead to some uptick in cases in the coming weeks,” they said in the Friday report.

As of Friday, 5,638 COVID-19 cases have been confirmed in Lake County, according to state statistics.

Of those, 79 Lake County residents have now died due to COVID-related illness; 16 since July 1.

Health officials said everyone must take the virus seriously, and protect those that are medically vulnerable or ineligible for vaccination.

They continue to urge people to be vaccinated and take precautions, including masking around others, avoiding crowded indoor settings and being cautious in outdoor settings, as they anticipate another surge once cold and flu season sets in.

Vaccination is free and widely available in Lake County. Thanks to the support of the Board of Supervisors, an OPTUM mobile vaccination van will be available locally for the next two months. They can administer up to 100 doses per day. Walk-ins are welcome, and Spanish-speakers are available.

Vaccination through OPTUM is now available in Nice, Clearlake, Lakeport, Lower Lake and Middletown. The OPTUM Mobile Van schedule and other opportunities for vaccination are listed here.

Vaccinations also will be available at the Sunday “Dia de la Independencia” event in Kelseyville, from 2 to 7 p.m. No appointments are necessary.

If you are unable to get to any vaccination site, or experiencing other barriers, contact us at 707-263-8174.