First Merced County resident tests positive for coronavirus, officials say
Merced County on Sunday reported the first case of a local resident who is infected with coronavirus (COVID-19), according to Public Health Officer Dr. Kenneth Bird.
A county news release said the person acquired the virus from travel outside Merced County. The information did not state where the individual traveled to.
The infected person is said to be isolated and recovering at home. Merced County Department of Public Health is working to identify anyone the person may have had contact with.
“The confirmation of a first case of COVID-19 in our community further increases the urgency to expand efforts to protect ourselves and others from this virus,” Bird said in the release.
“Maintain social distancing. Wash your hands. Don’t touch your face. Stay at home, especially if you are sick. Call ahead to your health care provider if you have symptoms consistent with the illness.”
The latest case is separate from Thursday’s news confirmation by Merced’s city manager that a public safety officer tested positive for coronavirus. In that case, while the infected person works in Merced, they reside in Madera County.
The count for coronavirus cases in Merced County only includes those infected persons who reside within county borders.
After news of the public safety officer testing positive broke, Merced County Superior Court officials on Friday announced they were disinfecting Courtroom 1.
As of Sunday, the infections for coronavirus in Valley counties includes 12 people in Tulare County, eight in Stanislaus County, three in Madera County, and six in Fresno County.
Anyone in Merced County who has questions about coronavirus can call the Public Health Communication line at (209) 381-1229.
For more informaiton visit http://www.countyofmerced.com/coronavirus
