Update: First COVID-19 cases in San Joaquin, Calaveras; some Modesto events postponed
San Joaquin County announced its first confirmed case of COVID-19 infection on Tuesday. The affected individual was identified as a San Joaquin resident who was a passenger on the Grand Princess ship on an early cruise, according to a press release from San Joaquin County Public Health Services.
The individual developed symptoms a few days ago and was hospitalized but no other information was provided. Public health officials are completing tracing of the person’s contacts.
Calaveras County also announced Tuesday it has two residents with cases of COVID-19; one of whom is a student at Copperopolis Elementary School. It’s not clear if the affected people were on the Grand Princess, but “Their exposure to COVID-19 occurred outside of Calaveras County,” the Health and Human Services Agency said in a news release. Officials planned to declare a state of emergency at 4 p.m.
During a press conference late Tuesday afternoon, health officials said they recommended the school close for the rest of the week. The campus will be cleaned and disinfected, and if there are no further cases of COVID-19, it will reopen Monday. No other schools are affected.
Stanislaus County remains free of COVID-19 cases, but not the effects of the coronavirus spread.
Several organizations have canceled or postponed events, including the following:
- AgSafe Food and Farms Health Fair scheduled in Modesto Centre Plaza on March 11 and 12 has been postponed, though the AgSafe conference will proceed
- Camellia Society’s Camellia Show at Gallo has been canceled this year
- Rep. Josh Harder (D-Turlock) canceled his town hall scheduled on March 11
- The Stanislaus Community Foundation’s Cradle to Career Summit postponed from March 13 until Sept 18
At this time, other events including the Modesto Marathon, the Modesto Certified Farmers Market and local school events are slated to continue as planned, however, checking with each event is advised.
Dr. Julie Vaishampayan, public health officer for Stanislaus County, participates in at least weekly calls about coronavirus with the CDC, as well as the California Department of Health.
“In Stanislaus County, all individuals who have been tested had symptoms,” said Vaishampayan.
A total of 23 individuals have been tested, seven tests were negative and 16 are pending.
“The CDC is providing updated guidance for community mitigation, which includes efforts for protecting individuals at highest risk from COVID-19,” said Vaishampayan.
The CDC considers individuals older than 60, lower than the customary 65, and those with underlying health conditions, such as heart or lung disease, diabetes and weakened immune systems at the greatest risk for severe disease with COVID-19.
Community mitigation measures are actions that individuals and communities can take to help slow the spread of respiratory virus infections, such as the novel coronavirus, and seasonal and pandemic influenza viruses.
For persons at higher risk, CDC recommendations include:
Stocking up on essential supplies — for example, over-the-counter medications for fever control, tissues, and enough non-perishable food in the house
Have a supply of prescription medications — consider contacting your provider or insurance company, including mail order options, to access medications
Avoid contact with crowds
Continue to use everyday practices, such as cough and hand hygiene and avoiding contact with sick people
Stay home if there is a COVID-19 outbreak in your community
Vaishampayan has also provided updated guidelines from the CDC for environmental cleaning for school, businesses and public areas.
“CDPH has issued documents for guidance about mass gatherings, K-12 schools and higher education institutions that Stanislaus County is adopting,” said Vaishampayan.
Generally, the recommendations are trying to standardize the approach across the state and are layered, based upon if there is a COVID-19 case in the community or in a specific school, and any dismissals occur in coordination with county public health.
“We are still emphasizing that we have time for preparing,” said Vaishampayan, “Our first priority is helping the people at highest risk.”
Resources:
Additional Information about mitigation actions can be found:
From the CDC at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/index.html,
From Stanislaus County Public Health at http://schsa.org/publichealth/pages/corona-virus/
https://www.modbee.com/news/nation-world/national/article240661101.html
This story was produced with financial support from The Stanislaus County Office of Education and the Stanislaus Community Foundation, along with the GroundTruth Project’s Report for America initiative. The Modesto Bee maintains full editorial control of this work.
This story was originally published March 10, 2020 at 1:54 PM.
