Santa Cruz County Public Health prepares for potential of local coronavirus cases
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, Calif. (KION) Even though there are no confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, in Santa Cruz County, Public Health is preparing for any future cases.
Public Health said it is coordinating with hospitals, clinics and health care providers; identifying resources needed to treat patients and limit transmission and reviewing pandemic preparedness plans.
“While the immediate risk to our community is believed to be low at this time, everyone can do their part to respond to this emerging health threat,” said Dr. Gail Newel, Santa Cruz County Health Officer. “Our Public Health Division is working with other county agencies, health care providers and community partners to take the necessary steps to protect the health and safety of our residents.”
On Wednesday, a new case of COVID-19 was confirmed in California, and the patient may be the first case of community spread in the U.S. because the person had not traveled to China or been exposed to another known COVID-19 patient.
At the federal level, travel restrictions for people returning to China have been put in place. The federal government is denying entry to non-residents who have traveled to China within the last two weeks unless they are relatives of U.S. citizens or residents. Citizens returning from China's Hubei Province are subject to a mandatory two week quarantine. Citizens returning from other parts of China showing symptoms are also subject to quarantine.
