Third case of coronavirus confirmed in SLO County
A third case of coronavirus has been confirmed in San Luis Obispo County, public health officials announced Monday.
The individual lives in the same household as the second confirmed COVID-19 patient, who was described as a South County resident under the age of 60 with significant underlying health conditions, according to a county Public Health Department news release.
The third confirmed patient is recovering in isolation at home and is cooperating with the Public Health Department’s investigation.
The latest confirmed case comes days after a North County resident over the age of 65 became the first confirmed COVID-19 patient in San Luis Obispo County. The second case was reported Saturday night.
As of March 14, the California Department of Public Health reported 335 positive cases of coronavirus and six deaths in the state, including one non-California resident, according to the agency’s website.
Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough and shortness of breath. Older adults and individuals with underlying medical conditions are particularly vulnerable to the virus.
Health officials urge those who exhibit these symptoms to stay home, avoid contact with others, and call their health care provider or urgent care clinic before seeking medical care to receive safe arrival instructions, if directed to do so. Go to the emergency room only if you are experiencing a medical emergency.
Local hospitals have been following the guidance of the county Public Health Department.
San Luis Obispo County on Friday declared a public health emergency. Local school districts have canceled classes, and many large public gatherings have been suspended until at least the end of March to curb the spread of COVID-19.
The county will also stop alcohol sales at bars starting at 5 p.m. on Monday, according to the Public Health Department.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends practicing social distancing and limiting contact with large crowds to prevent individuals from contracting the virus or unknowingly spreading it to others, particularly those most at risk of becoming seriously ill.
Visit ReadySLO.org for the latest public health updates and recommendations or call the Public Health information line at 805-788-2903.
This story was originally published March 16, 2020 at 12:46 PM.
