SLO County adds no new coronavirus cases for third time this month
San Luis Obispo County held at 132 coronavirus cases Monday, with no new cases reported and only one reported the day prior, according to ReadySLO.org.
This is the fourth time since the first coronavirus case in San Luis Obispo County was confirmed that there has been a day with no new reported cases. The first week of April saw two days with zero new cases.
The county Public Health Lab conducted only eight additional tests from Sunday to Monday, bringing the total to 865 tests with 48 positive results. The remaining 84 positive tests were conducted at private labs.
Although the number of new cases each day remains low locally, county officials announced Friday that the emergency shelter-at-home order will be extended to at least May 16.
Coronavirus cases by the numbers
Of those who’ve tested positive for COVID-19, the illness caused by the new coronavirus, 111 have recovered, according to the county Public Health Department.
Eighteen patients are recovering at home, and two are receiving treatment at a hospital, with one patient in the intensive care unit.
One county patient has died from the virus.
There are 33 coronavirus cases in Paso Robles and 23 in Atascadero.
Arroyo Grande has 18 cases, San Luis Obispo has 15 and Nipomo has 12.
Templeton has seven cases, Morro Bay has six and Pismo Beach has five. The remaining 13 patients live in other communities.
Forty-nine of the county’s COVID-19 patients are 18 to 49 years old. Forty patients are 50 to 64 years old, and another 37 are 65 and older.
Six patients are 17 or younger.
When, where to get coronavirus test
Symptoms of the virus that causes COVID-19 include fever, cough and shortness of breath. Mild symptoms also include chills, fatigue, sore throat, runny nose and diarrhea.
Older adults and individuals with underlying medical conditions are particularly vulnerable.
Health officials urge those who exhibit symptoms to stay home, avoid contact with others and call their healthcare provider or urgent-care clinic before seeking medical care to receive safe arrival instructions, if directed to do so.
County health officials are urging people to get tested if they experience even mild respiratory illness symptoms. However, the Public Health Lab still operates at a capacity of only about 50 tests per day.
Providers that are accepting samples for testing can be found on the county’s website.
Potential patients who are experiencing the listed symptoms and are struggling to get tested can call the Public Health Department at 805-781-5500. However, Public Health officials cannot guarantee anyone a test.
Go to the emergency room only if you are experiencing a medical emergency.
The county has opened the Cal Poly Alternate Care site, which will be staffed by Medical Reserve Corps volunteers.
To volunteer for the medical corps auxiliary, sign up at HealthcareVolunteers.ca.gov and then email the San Luis Obispo Medical Corps coordinator at slomrc@gmail.com.
Visit ReadySLO.org for the latest public health updates and recommendations.
This story was originally published April 20, 2020 at 1:12 PM.
