Yolo County reports second confirmed coronavirus case as it urges event cancellations
Health officials announced on Friday afternoon the second confirmed coronavirus case in Yolo County after a person over 60 years old tested positive for the respiratory illness COVID-19.
The county’s Health and Human Services Agency received confirmation of the positive test for this patient who acquired the infection through travel, according to a news release. Officials said this patient’s infection was not acquired through community transmission. They did not disclose the person’s sex.
The county’s Public Health Department has already strongly urged the cancellation of all non-essential large gatherings or events through March 31 to help create social distancing and slow community spread. That includes events for community groups, schools and religious organizations.
“Since we know that COVID-19 is in our community, we need to focus on slowing the spread of infection and continuing to practice measures such as good hand washing and staying home if you’re sick, “ the county’s Deputy Public Health Officer Dr. Mary Ann Limbos said in the news release.
She said it’s important to follow these cancellation recommendations to ensure social distancing of about 6 feet.
“We understand that these recommendations are disruptive, but they are essential to slowing the spread of COVID-19 in our community, protecting those who are most vulnerable to severe illness, and allowing our health system to continue to care for severely ill patients,” Limbos said.
The Yolo County Sheriff’s Office announced Friday that all jail visits will be canceled, and all public “Live Scan” fingerprinting will be suspended, until further notice. Some schools in Yolo County will close, keeping about 16,800 students at home.
The first confirmed coronavirus case in Yolo County was reported last week; an “older female with underlying health conditions.” Officials said at the time that she likely got the virus through community transmission.
Yolo County Board of Supervisors Chairman Gary Sandy said this second confirmed coronavirus case heightens the need for appropriate public health protocols into daily lives and the practice good hygiene.
“Please be mindful that even if you are not in one of the high-risk groups you could be a carrier of the virus and potentially jeopardize others,” Sandy said in the news release.
The CDC recommends these everyday preventive measures:
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, then throw it in the trash can.
- Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with 60% to 95% alcohol.
- Routinely clean frequently touched surfaces and objects.
Yolo County residents with questions about coronavirus can call 530-666-8614 or visit the county’s coronavirus web page or its coronavirus guidance web page.
