Sacramento County coronavirus count jumps to 88 cases. 4th death reported
The number of coronavirus cases in Sacramento County saw its biggest jump yet on Monday, with 88 reported cases and a fourth death, county officials reported.
That represents an increase of 35 cases since the previous report during the weekend, mirroring increased cases statewide and nationally.
County officials are declining to offer details about the cases, but county health official Peter Beilenson has repeatedly warned the number of cases will grow notably as more testing is done in the county.
Beilenson is among those who have been critical of the lack of testing capabilities since the international pandemic hit the county in late February, a failure that likely led to greater spread of the virus.
County officials said “individuals who died from complications of COVID-19 were older than 70 and had underlying health conditions.”
The first of the four was a female resident of an Elk Grove assisted living center. Another was a Sacramento city substitute teacher. The most recent was identified by his pastor as Don Sperling, 85, who died Saturday. Sperling, a former assistant city treasurer, attended the same church, Faith Presbyterian Church, as the school teacher.
Church officials have said five members of the Greenhaven church have tested positive for the disease and that others were being tested.
The first case of the virus in Sacramento occurred on Feb. 19, slightly more than one month ago, when a seriously ill woman was transported from Solano County to the UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento for treatment.
Beilenson on Thursday ordered county residents to stay at home, essentially sheltering in place, unless they have essential outings they need to make, such as going to the grocery store. Gov. Gavin Newsom issued a similar statewide order later that day.
The goal, health officials say, is to limit the spread of the virus by limiting contact among residents.
The Public Health Order directs that there should not be gatherings in any formal setting. To report a violation of the Public Health Officer Order, call 3-1-1. The county’s orders state:
- All bars, wineries and brew-pubs should be closed
- All in-dining at restaurants should cease (take out and home delivery with social distancing may continue)
- All gyms should be closed
- All bingo halls and card rooms should be closed
Sacramento Bee reporter Sam Stanton contributed to this report.
This story was originally published March 23, 2020 at 1:12 PM.