Sacramento coronavirus infections jump again: 113 total cases and 5 deaths
The number of coronavirus cases in Sacramento County has now hit 113 as of Wednesday morning. Sacramento officials reported a fifth death as well, as the county heads into its fifth week of dealing with the pandemic.
The new infection total represents an increase of 25 cases since Monday, mirroring increased cases statewide and nationally.
County officials decline to offer details about the cases, but said on their website on Wednesday that “individuals who died from complications of COVID-19 were either older than 70 or had underlying health conditions.” Notably, previous to the fifth death, the county had noted that fatalities involved people who were older than 70 and had underlying health conditions. That suggests the most recent death may have been someone younger than 70.
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.
Testing appears to have ratcheted up in the county in recent days, including a new public test site at Cal Expo operated by Verily, a provide sister company to Google.
Statewide, the number of known infections is 2,535, with 53 deaths, as of Wednesday morning, according to Gov. Gavin Newsom. Newsom said the state and its hospitals are rushing to prepare for a predicted spike or surge in the number of seriously ill people over the next few weeks, but said he hopes that number will be lower if state residents practice “physical distancing,” staying more than six-feet apart, and adhering to the state’s “shelter in place” orders.
The first of the five deaths in Sacramento County was an elderly female resident of an Elk Grove assisted living center. Another was a Sacramento city substitute teacher. Another, earlier this week 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.
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 last week 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 25, 2020 at 10:40 AM.