Our poopy wastewater is confirming what many of us in the Valley had already suspected: COVID-19 is on the upswing here this summer.

The canary in the COVID coal mine is the region’s wastewater systems that are monitored for COVID virus levels by the California Surveillance of Wastewater Systems Network and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Wastewater Surveillance System.

And right now, the state and feds monitors say COVID-19 wastewater levels are at “high” in the San Joaquin Valley — and are increasing.

Wastewater is routinely tested for infectious diseases, including COVID.

Stay Safe and Keep Others Safe

With the rising rates of COVID infections, the Fresno County Department of Public Health is issuing reminders that residents, particularly those who are older or have weakened immune systems, should take steps to protect themselves to prevent severe illness that can lead to hospitalization or death.

If you haven’t been immunized or had a recent COVID booster, vaccines are available at your primary care provider’s office, local pharmacy, the Fresno County Department of Health’s immunization program, or through My Turn (https://myturn.ca.gov), California’s vaccine appointment site.

Seek testing or treatment if you develop symptoms and are at risk of developing a severe illness. For a list of local testing locations, go to: www.fcdph.org/covid19testing.

The Fresno County Rural Mobile Health Program offers no-cost testing, treatement and vaccination options to residents in rural Fresno County. Go to www.fcdph.org/ruralmobilehealth for a schedule of upcoming clinics.

Testing Positive

If you do test positive for COVID-19, you can ask a medical provider to prescribe Paxlovid, which should be taken within five days of the onset of symptoms.

You should stay home until you have not had a fever for 24 hours without using fever-reducing medication and your other symptoms such as congestion and coughing are mild and improving. For the following five days after returning to normal activities you should avoid those who are at high-risk or in high-risk setting, mask when around others indoors, and practice healthy habits such as covering your cough, handwashing, and physical distancing.