12 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Tulare County, including 1 minor

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Tulare County has one new confirmed case of COVID-19 Saturday after clocking four new COVID-19 cases on Friday. There are now a total of 12 since last Wednesday's first case.

Tulare County Public Health agency is currently investigating each case, officials said.

The individuals from Friday had all either contacted other confirmed cases or were travelers outside the U.S.

Of the confirmed cases, one person is between the ages of 0 to 17. One is between the ages of 18 to 25. Five are between the ages of 26 to 40. One is between the ages of 41 to 64. Four are 65 or older — a high-risk group.

There are 122 people being monitored by public health officials while under self-quarantine at home.

Additional information about Saturday's case has not been released.

The four Friday cases are currently under self-isolation at home. None were hospitalized.

Tulare County has double the number of confirmed cases as Fresno and leads the San Joaquin Valley by a considerable margin. Health officials have said why they believe Tulare County is leading in cases.

More: COVID-19: A timeline of Tulare County-area events

More: 'We are at a higher level of risk.' Tulare County jumps to 7 COVID-19 cases, up 2 from Wednesday.

On Thursday, Gov. Gavin Newsom ordered all Californians to remain in their homes, except in the case of needing essential services, such as grocery shopping or accessing health care.

“It’s important at this time that our community heed the governor's order to shelter-at-home and ensure they’re only leaving their homes to access essential services,” stated Dr. Karen Haught, County Health Officer. “We are wishing all our positive cases a swift recovery.”

On Thursday, Haught said Tulare County was at a "higher level of risk" for exposure to the virus. Total number of positive cases are likely much higher than reported due to a lack of tests.

In California, there are 1,224 cases and 23 deaths. Nationwide, there are 24,148 cases and 285 deaths, according to the Johns Hopkins University & Medicine Coronavirus Resource Center.

Neighboring Fresno County confirmed three new COVID-19 cases earlier Friday, bringing its total to six patients. A Merced police officer also tested positive on Thursday; as a result, a murder trial that the officer had testified in was declared a mistrial by the judge as jurors were sent home to self-isolate.

Of the 12 Tulare County patients, one remains in the hospital in critical condition at Kaweah Delta Medical Center.

The hospital said it continues to experience a shortage of N95 masks and other key supplies but had received a shipment from the state earlier this week.

"This was very welcome news for us as we, like other hospitals, have experienced shortages in our supply," said Laura Florez-McCusker, hospital spokesperson. "We have also received calls from organizations who would like to provide us with masks and of course, we would welcome any contributions."

She added that the hospital is currently exploring options to open other beds or a dedicated floor for COVID-19 patients, in addition to the tents erected outside the hospital earlier this week.

Public health nursing staff are working to identify individuals who may have come into contact with existing positive cases, ensuring they are self-quarantining, and monitoring their health.

The nursing staff check in with all the close contact individuals to monitor symptoms. They are tested if they become symptomatic, officials said. Through this process of contact investigation, the department said it expects to find more cases.

County health officials urge individuals to monitor their health closely and provide the following advice to the public:

Avoid all non-essential gatherings

If you are ill, stay home

If you are a member of a vulnerable population, stay home as much as possible

Practice social distancing

Practice good hand and environment hygiene

If you are a person who has traveled outside the county or country, please call 2-1-1 to find about the potential need to self-quarantine

They further advise to please call 2-1-1 if you have the symptoms of COVID-19, such as

Fever

Cough

Inability to take in a deep breath

Other lower respiratory symptoms

Community members with urgent questions about or symptoms of COVID-19 in Tulare County can call 2-1-1 to be connected to the information and resource hotline.

If you are a member of our senior population, over 65 years of age, and you need assistance with questions and resources, please contact K/T AAA at 1-800-321-2462 or online at www.ktaaa.org.

Although testing for COVID-19 is occurring at the Tulare County Public Health Lab, all results are only available through the testing physician, officials said.

Joshua Yeager covers water, agriculture, parks and housing for the Visalia Times-Delta and Tulare Advance-Register newspapers. Follow him on Twitter @VTD_Joshy. Get alerts and keep up on all things Tulare County for as little as $1 a month. Subscribe today.