SLO County confirms second case of coronavirus
A second person has tested positive for coronavirus in San Luis Obispo County.
According to a news release from the San Luis Obispo County Public Health Department on Sunday, a person who lives in the South County tested positive for COVID-19.
This comes a day after a North County resident was confirmed to have the virus.
The second positive test result was reported to County Public Health by a private-sector laboratory that conducted the test for COVID-19, according to the release.
“Because local testing capacity increased both at our public lab and at private-sector labs last week, we will likely see more confirmed cases in the coming days,” County Health Officer Dr. Penny Borenstein said in the release. “We are looking at all of our options to limit the spread of illness to keep our community healthy and safe. It’s now vital for everyone to do their part to limit social gatherings, practice social distancing and practice good hygiene.”
The county has tested more than 100 people so far and according to Health Department Public Information Officer Michelle Shoresman, there are still about 150 tests in the county as of March 15. The Health Department has ordered another test kit that carries about 300 tests, but they are unsure as to when it will arrive.
According to the release, the second person who tested positive is an adult under the age of 60 with significant underlying health conditions.
The individual contacted their health care provider when they developed a fever and cough, according to Public Health. A private-sector laboratory performed the test and notified the Public Health Department. The individual is recovering in isolation at home until cleared by Public Health. To protect the person’s privacy, County Public Health will not share additional information about this individual.
Borenstein said she believes this is likely another case of community transmission.
The individual is assisting the Public Health Department in the investigation. Public Health is contacting those who had been in close contact with the person in recent days to evaluate if testing and quarantine management is needed. Public Health will notify the public immediately should the investigation indicate further action and precautions are necessary.
“We are all in this together and we need to each do our part to slow down the speed at which people get exposed to COVID-19, so that we don‘t overwhelm our health care system,” Borenstein said.
As of March 13, the California Public Health Department reported 247 positive cases of coronavirus and five deaths.
Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough and shortness of breath. Older adults and individuals with underlying medical conditions are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19. 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. Only go to the emergency room if you are experiencing a medical emergency.
Local hospitals have been following the guidance of the public health department.
San Luis Obispo County declared a public health emergency Friday. Local school districts and many large public gatherings have been suspended until at least the end of March as the Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends limiting contact with large crowds.
“As we continue to learn more about the origin of these confirmed cases, it is important that our community remain proactive and calm,” Rep. Salud Carbajal said in a news release in response to confirmed cases in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties. “The best thing we can do is listen to the experts and continue taking smart, preventive steps to stop the spread of disease: practice social distancing, stay home as much as you’re able, wash your hands often, call a doctor to alert them of your symptoms before visiting.
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 15, 2020 at 1:14 PM.
%20Cropped.jpg)