First case of coronavirus in SLO County confirmed
Major story update:
»» SLO County confirms second case of coronavirus
Original story:
An individual in San Luis Obispo County has tested positive for novel coronavirus, the Public Health Department announced Saturday night. This is the first confirmed case in San Luis Obispo County.
According to a news release, the individual is a North County resident, over the age of 65 with underlying health conditions who exhibited a fever, cough and shortness of breath.
The person is recovering in isolation at home until cleared by county Public Health, according to the release.
Public Health is investigating, but Public Health Officer Dr. Penny Borenstein said she believes this is likely a case of community spread.
The individual is assisting the Public Health Department in contacting those who had been in close contact in recent days to evaluate whether testing and quarantine management is needed, according to the release. The department says it will notify the public immediately should the investigation indicate further action and precautions are necessary.
“We have expected to see cases of COVID-19 in our county and have been planning and preparing accordingly,” Borenstein said in the release. “We are now encouraging the public to prepare for the likelihood of local community spread here as well, unrelated to this case, because that is what we have seen happen in other communities.”
On Friday, the county declared a local health emergency. Soon after, school districts across San Luis Obispo County announced closures to help stop the spread. Cal Poly and Cuesta College have also both announced plans to transition to online teaching to do the same.
Borenstein commended the individual who tested positive and their physician for how they responded.
According to the release, the person called their doctor’s office in advance and was instructed to stay in their car upon arrival and not enter the waiting room. The physician met the patient at their car to consult and collect a swab specimen. These are the recommended steps to limit further transmission to the public and to health care providers.
“Our top priority is the health and safety of our community,” Borenstein said. “We appreciate our local health care providers for continuing to be vigilant by monitoring patients to help us identify potential COVID-19 cases.”
Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough and shortness of breath, according to the release. Older adults and individuals with underlying medical conditions are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19.
Public Health is working with partners in health care, education, business, law enforcement and others to prepare the community and to limit further spread.
Visit ReadySLO.org for the latest public health updates and recommendations or call the Public Health information line at 805-788-2903.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREWhat you should know about the coronavirus
The World Health Organization has officially declared the spread the novel coronavirus as a pandemic, and the virus is spreading in the United States, particularly on the West Coast.
Officials are urging people to take precautions to avoid getting sick, and to avoid spreading the disease including social distancing.
Click the drop-down icon in the upper right of this card for more information on symptoms and how to stop its spread.
What is coronavirus?
Coronaviruses are a class of viruses that regularly cause illnesses among adults and children. But, this outbreak is caused by SARS-CoV-2, a novel virus that has spawned a new disease called COVID-19. This infection can cause a particularly harsh respiratory condition and can lead to death in older individuals and those with underlying health problems.
The CDC believes the COVID-19 virus spreads among humans by person-to-person contact, including via cough and sneezing. That’s why health officials urge sick individuals to avoid contact with other people. Social distancing of 6ft is recommended for everyone.
For more information, visit the website for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
What are the symptoms?
Corona means crown, and the virus has little spikes that help it attach to your respiratory system. Symptoms are similar to the flu and include congestion, coughing, shortness of breath and a runny nose. But, it can worsen causing pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome and death.
How can I stop the spread of the coronavirus?
How does it spread?
We’re still learning about this infection. Things are changing constantly. The spread seems to be from bigger droplets, coughing, sneezing on your hands and then touching your eyes, your nose or mouth. The influenza virus can last on surfaces for 24 hours. For this virus, we are still learning how long it can last but it may be as long as 48 to 72 hours.
And what you can do to help stop the spread:
Practice social distancing, and definitely stay home if you’re ill. Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, and cover your coughs and sneezes.
If you develop symptoms similar to the coronavirus, you should stay home from work or school and avoid contact with others. It can take up to 14 days after coming into contact with the virus to develop symptoms.
Taking precautions is the best way to stop the spread of the coronavirus. For more on how it spreads, watch this video.
Note: No public health agency has recommended that the general public wear masks to stave off infection. Here are more public health recommendations:
- Practice social distancing
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If you really can’t get to soap and water, then use a hand sanitizer that has at least 60 percent alcohol.
- Can’t wash your hands right away? Avoid touching your mouth, nose and eyes as these are areas where the pathogens can invade your body.
- Practice cough hygiene with covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze, either using a disposable tissue or into your clothed elbow. Throw used tissues in the trash right away.
- If you are sick, stay at home. If you develop respiratory symptoms contact your doctor for advise and to determine if you need to go for care or viral testing. Call ahead before seeing medical care at a doctor’s office, clinic or emergency department, as they’ll need to separate you to help protect others.
- ChrisAnna Mink, Modesto Bee, and McClatchy staff
This story was originally published March 14, 2020 at 7:25 PM with the headline "First case of coronavirus in SLO County confirmed."
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