Paso Robles will be a hot spot for COVID-19 cases, Public Health officer says
Paso Robles is emerging as a hot spot for COVID-19 activity, according to San Luis Obispo County’s Public Health officer.
Dr. Penny Borenstein shared the projection during a press conference Thursday afternoon while discussing the need for people to try to stay in their neighborhoods to slow the spread of the virus.
In general, San Luis Obispo County has a higher number of confirmed cases than surrounding counties.
“I can tell you right now, Paso Robles is going to be the high point,” Borenstein said Thursday.
“That doesn’t mean we want everybody there to shutter in their houses. It does mean, perhaps, people from Templeton should stay away for now,” she said.
During the shelter-at-home order, Borenstein said, people should still get outside activity while maintaining a distance of about six feet from other people, but it’s generally better to stay in your neighborhood.
The comment about Paso Robles was the first time the Public Health director has provided information about a particular city being more affected by the spread of this coronavirus than others.
The North County has the most confirmed cases countywide of COVID-19, with 25 as of Thursday afternoon. There are 15 in the South County, nine on the coast and five in the central San Luis Obispo area.
She has, so far, declined to say what cities have cases but said she will share that information beginning Friday.
“To the extent that people can stay within their own communities, we will stop the transmission from community to community, even within our small local area,” Borenstein said Thursday.
When asked why there might be more cases in North County, she first said it may be related to demographics.
“I think my honest answer is, I don’t know why we might have a dozen cases in one city and four in another and six in another. I think the numbers are really too small to make any real assessments about why that’s happening,” she said.
The best way to protect yourself is to stay at home, avoid contact with other people and wash your hands frequently, health officials have said.
If you develop symptoms such as a fever and cough, contact your doctor. Go to the emergency room only if you are experiencing a medical emergency.
Visit ReadySLO.org for the latest public health updates and recommendations.
