By CCT STAFF

As the coronavirus continues to spread in California, state health officials are refusing to disclose which counties have confirmed cases, while county health departments are providing conflicting information regarding precautionary steps the public should take.

There are currently 133 confirmed cases, not including those on the Grand Princess Cruise Ship docked outside Oakland, and two deaths in California. And while it appears there are specific counties in the state more impacted by the virus, state health officials refuse to disclose statistical information by county, allegedly to protect the privacy of the afflicted.

On the Central Coast, according to county health officials, two people in Ventura County have tested positive for the virus. No one has tested positive in Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, or Monterey counties.

Adding to the confusion is the varied information released from public health officials in different counties.

Last week, Santa Clara County health officials urged residents to postpone or cancel large gatherings, and for businesses to have employees work from home when possible. At the same time, Los Angeles health officials were recommending people engage in their regular activities, and practice good public health hygiene.

Santa Clara County, with 43 confirmed cases and one death, on Monday issued a mandatory ban on gatherings of 1,000 people or more.

And while the state is refusing to disclose the number of cases in each county, local health officials appear to be more transparent. Some of the counties impacted include Los Angeles with 16 cases; at lease nine cases in Contra Costa County; San Diego County has two cases; and Fresno County has one travel-related case.