Tulare County investigating who had contact with man infected with coronavirus
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One day after Tulare County confirmed its first case of coronavirus (COVID-19), health officials are working to determine who the patient came in contact with while he was showing symptoms.
Karen Elliot, public health director for the Tulare County Health & Human Services Agency, said the county became aware of the case Wednesday evening after the patient went to Sierra View Hospital in Porterville, where tests confirmed it was COVID-19.
It is the latest known case of COVID-19 in the central San Joaquin Valley, where Stanislaus, Madera, and Fresno counties have also reported infections.
Elliot said the Tulare County patient had been showing symptoms, but she did not say how long he had been infected. Officials also haven’t said where he picked up the virus — only that he contracted the highly contagious disease outside Tulare County.
Tulare County reports first case of coronavirus. Officials say person went to public areas
It’s also unclear if the staff at the hospital were aware he was coming, and whether they were properly prepared with protective equipment.
Tulare County, along with California Department of Public Health and the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, have launched an intense investigation to locate and identify who may have been in close contact with the individual.
Elliot said the patient is in stable condition and in isolation at home. He also is not considered part of the vulnerable population that includes older adults, people with compromised immune systems and those with chronic medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes and lung disease.
Amy Shuklian, Tulare County Board of Supervisors vice-chair, said the county will issue an emergency declaration Tuesday during its regularly scheduled meeting, as a way to leverage any resources the county may need to contain the disease.
County public health officials will also be recommending that any permitted community events with more than 250 participants be postponed. If the event can’t be postponed, the county highly recommends an increase in hand washing stations, or hand sanitizers.
Elliot urged the public not to panic and follow health officials’ advice about washing hands regularly, covering coughs and sneezes properly, and avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
COVID-19 symptoms, include fever, a cough that can worsen, and shortness of breath. The CDC indicates the symptoms can appear within two to 14 days after exposure.
“We have a resilient and close community and it is important to understand this is a complex situation,” Elliot said. “We are working with all our local partners and we ask that community members remain calm as we move forward with our investigation. Public safety is our top priority.”
The Visalia Unified School District issued a statement Thursday saying that no district students or staff members are being tested for the virus, and at this time, Visalia Unified schools will remain open.
