March 15, 2020 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Mike North, 209-726-2744 COVID-19 DAILY STATUS REPORT

PLEASE NOTE: This is an evolving situation. More information will be distributed as it becomes available. For the most up to date information, please visit: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus . Additional information is available at www.countyofmerced.com/coronavirus .

CURRENT STATUS: As of Sunday, March 15, 2020, there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) in Merced County.

As of today, 18 people within Merced County have been tested within the public health system, and those tests have either come back negative or are still outstanding. That number does not include additional testing through the commercial lab system, hospitals and clinics. Although the Merced County Department of Public Health (MCDPH) isn’t provided numbers on how many tests go through those systems, MCDPH would have been notified of any positive tests. So far, there have been none.

In California, there are 363 active cases, five deaths and six recoveries.

RECENT ACTIVITIES: Although there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Merced County at this time, Merced County Public Health continues to coordinate with federal, state and local partners to further prepare us for any potential future impacts. This includes working with the California Department of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to monitor COVID-19.

In coordination with the Merced County Office of Emergency Services, daily situational status calls continued today with local government agencies, schools, and healthcare professionals in our community.

The Merced County Office of Emergency Services and Merced County Department of Public Health proclaimed a local and public health emergency March 13 in order to help address the outbreak. The declaration of a local health emergency and proclamation of a local emergency will be considered for ratification by the Board of Supervisors during a special meeting at 1:30 p.m. Monday, March 16 (agenda: www.countyofmerced.com/boardagenda ).

www.countyofmerced.com/boardagenda A COVID-19 PIO meeting is scheduled for Monday to discuss current communication processes and strategies for next steps to ensure accurate dissemination of information to the public.

Additional resources are being put in place to help address translation/interpreting services.

The Merced County Public Health Department Operations Center was opened Jan. 27, 2020 (49 days) in order to prepare for the potential of COVID-19 in and around our community. The Merced County Emergency Operations Center is activated at a Level 2 as of Friday, March 13, 2020.

COVID-19 TESTING UPDATE FROM PUBLIC HEALTH: Within the public health system, every person who has met CDC criteria for severe disease within Merced County has been tested. Those tests have either come back negative or are still pending.

Testing has been limited across the state of California, as noted multiple times by state officials as a barrier to response. However, commercial lab systems have recently gained the capacity to test.

Public Health is actively identifying other methods to enhance testing capability for providers throughout the community and increase testing county-wide. We will continue to be notified should positive tests come through either system (public health or commercial). So far, there have been none.

There are still no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Merced County at this time.

Below is a flowchart regarding the testing process in Merced County. The flowchart can be downloaded by following this link: https://www.co.merced.ca.us/DocumentCenter/View/23735/Testing-Flow-Chart-for-COVID-19-3152020

COVID-19 SYMPTOMS AND PRECAUTIONS: Coronavirus symptoms include: mild to severe respiratory illness, fever, cough and difficulty breathing. If symptoms develop, individuals should stay at home to limit exposure to others.

Persons who have recently traveled to China, Japan, South Korea, Iran, or Italy, or who have had contact with a person with possible COVID-19 infection and have the above symptoms should call their local health department or health care provider immediately.

Do not go to your provider’s office without calling ahead. Do not call 911 for suspected COVID-19 unless you are having a medical emergency.

During the flu season, there are steps you can take to protect your health and the health of those around you:

Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for 20 seconds.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Stay away from work, school or other people if you become sick with respiratory symptoms such as fever and cough.

Cover sneezes or coughs with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: Sign up for COVID-19 alerts from Merced County by visiting www.countyofmerced.com/coronavirus and entering your email on the right side of the page.

www.countyofmerced.com/coronavirus Merced County Public Health COVID-19 Information Webpage :

www.countyofmerced.com/coronavirus

Merced County Public Health Information Line :

209-381-1180 (English, Spanish, and Hmong).

Email COVID-19-specific questions to Merced County Public Health:

COVID19@countyofmerced.com .

CDC Resources for Households :

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/home/index.html

CDC Guidance for Businesses and Employers :

https://bit.ly/2IH2G2u ###



For the most up to date information, please visit : www.cdc.gov/coronavirus and https://www.cdph.ca.gov/covid19.

We urge everyone to stay calm and follow all guidelines handed down through the state and local levels.

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