According to a press release, the Del Norte County Public Health and Del Norte County Office of Emergency Services are working together as the first Del Norte County resident with symptoms of COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) has been approved for testing by the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
This individual presented themselves to a local healthcare facility. Del Norte Public Health is working with the California Department of Public Health to coordinate sample delivery to one of the approved state laboratories. Contact tracing is currently underway and exposed contacts are being quarantined at home and monitored for symptoms.
At this time, the case is presumptive only until a lab test can confirm or deny a positive result. The individual is currently being treated in a controlled environment. The immediate risk to the public in Del Norte County is relatively low. No further details about the patient will be shared to protect patient privacy.
Local authorities would like to remind the public of the following simple steps which can reduce or prevent the spread of any respiratory illness, including COVID-19:
Washing hands with liquid soap and water, and rubbing for at least 20 seconds, or using an alcohol-based sanitizer of at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not immediately available.
Covering your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
Staying home if you are sick.
Regularly cleaning surfaces touched by many people.
Practicing social distancing measures, such as reducing your interaction with large groups or crowds.
Symptoms of COVID-19 (coronavirus) range from mild to severe and include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Older residents and individuals with underlying medical conditions are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19.
