Calaveras officials announce coronavirus test results as new suspected cases emerge
Calaveras County health officials on Friday afternoon announced that they have received negative test results for residents who was believed to have been exposed to the coronavirus while aboard the Grand Princess cruise ship that returned two weeks ago.
But in the past few days other Calaveras County residents have been found who may have been exposed to the virus, which causes the respiratory disease COVID-19. Those residents were in self-isolation in their homes Friday, health officials said in a news release.
Calaveras Public Health will continue to monitor the new potential coronavirus cases. Those residents have been tested for coronavirus and were awaiting test results, officials said.
Calaveras County on Friday did not have any confirmed COVID-19 cases. Health officials there have not indicated how many suspected cases they have.
The cases linked to the Grand Princess were residents who were passengers on a cruise that departed from San Francisco Feb. 11 and traveled to Mexico before returning Feb. 21. Those residents were self-isolated in their homes and monitored by health officials while waited for their test results.
Meanwhile, 21 passengers currently aboard the Grand Princess cruise ship off the coast of San Francisco tested positive.
Health officials in Friday’s news release reminded Calaveras County residents that COVID-19 is spread from person-to-person. When an infected person coughs or sneezes, droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly inhaled into the lungs. Symptoms can include fever, cough, and shortness of breath.
They encouraged residents to:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home from work or school and limit contact with others if you are sick with fever and cough
People who think they may have been exposed to COVID-19 should call Calaveras Public Health at (209) 754-6460, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit calaveraspublichealth.com.
