CHICO, Calif. - BCPH Director Danette York said the number of active cases has dropped almost 250 since January 7th.

But, York said we're not over the hump yet.

"We have started to see a decrease in the number of new cases but I do caution that even with a decrease we are still seeing a high number of new cases daily," said York. "Meaning we started high and the decrease is helpful, but we are not there yet."

Even with the drop, health leaders are still urging you to follow the guidelines like wearing a mask and staying socially distant.

Figuring out when you could get your COVID-19 vaccination may soon be easier to do.

BCPH department said the California Department of Public Health may shift to a simpler distribution process.

It would be based on your age.

York said the new plan wouldn't impact Butte County too drastically.

"We have not received the official notification to make this shift yet," said York. "However, if and when we do, it will not change very much for our county's distribution plan because we are already in the phase where individuals who are 75 and over have already been scheduled for or receiving vaccinations."

The next age group in line for vaccination would be 65 and older.

The county said they order vaccines on a weekly basis and is placing a new order today.

While some people in Chico have received their first and even second doses of the COVID-19 vaccines, what does the county have planned for vaccinating the homeless or inmates?

York said the county is working with their health care providers like Ampla Health who has a mobile medical unit to vaccinate the homeless.

But, when it comes to vaccinating inmates, it is out of the county's control.

"I believe they receive the vaccine directly from the state rather than having to go through what we order," said York. "There are several categories that receive vaccine directly from the state. So, the numbers that I provided and the numbers that will be on our dashboard are only the numbers that go through Butte County Public Health.

York said CVS and Walgreens pharmacies work directly with the state to vaccinate long-term care facilities and staff.

Some 11-thousand people have already been vaccinated in Butte County.

Click here to learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine in your area.