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A Ventura County resident returning from a trip to Italy tested positive for COVID-19, becoming the second case of the virus reported in Ventura County.

The test results received on Wednesday still need to confirmed by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta and are currently considered presumptive positive.

The person developed symptoms after flying into Los Angeles International Airport. The traveler sought medical attention at an undisclosed location in Los Angeles County before returning home to Ventura County, said Ashley Bautista, Ventura County public information officer.

Testing for the coronavirus was initiated by a health-care provider at an undisclosed site in Los Angeles County.

The person was traveling alone, said Bautista.

County officials were told the person flew from Italy into San Francisco and was screened there, Bautista said. The traveler was cleared to continue to fly to LAX.

The Ventura County case came as part of a tidal wave of coronavirus news.

Responding to the rising number of infections across the state, California public health officials advised gatherings across the state should be canceled until at least the end of March. Any gatherings should involve 250 people or less and be arranged so people are separated from each other by at least 6 feet, they said.

The state announcement triggered the cancellation of a St. Patrick’s Day parade scheduled for Ventura on Saturday.

Leaders of CSU Channel Islands said the Camarillo university will begin transitioning to online classes this week in response to concerns about the coronavirus.

Ventura County public health officials still consider the risk to the community low. Bautista said both coronavirus cases involve people who are believed to have been exposed during travel and not through community transmission, meaning person-to-person spread in the general.

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In both cases, the chance of outside exposure is believed to be low.

"Both didn’t feel well and went straight home other than to seek medical attention," Bautista said, adding that the person who traveled to Italy had no contact with people in Ventura County.

No identifying information about the person or his or her residence was given except that the person does not need hospital care and is currently quarantined at home within Ventura County.

On Tuesday, CDC officials confirmed the first Ventura County case of COVID-19. That person was a passenger on a Grand Princess cruise from San Francisco to Mexico, returning to the Bay Area on Feb. 21. The person tested positive on March 5 and was placed in home quarantine.

Last week, public health officials asked schools, business, churches, health facilities and other entities to prepare social distancing plans that limit some interaction and activities that could spread viruses.

The plans could include school closures or expanded online classes. Employers are being asked to enable more people to work from home. Doctors' offices are being asked to communicate with patients using tools like Skype.

County public health officials have not yet requested the plans be implemented. That could change.

"There is a possibility that social distancing could be enacted soon," Bautista said.

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As of Thursday, county public health reported 77 people had been tested for COVID-19 in the county with 75 negative results, one positive and one presumptive positive.

The county reported 25 people who have returned from travel to places of higher exposure but have no symptoms have been placed on home quarantine. No one was being housed at the quarantine site at Naval Base Ventura County — Point Mugu.

Bautista said people who want to learn how to get tested should call their primary care doctor, a hospital emergency room or an urgent care. Call first to minimize any chance of exposure.

Some people argue nationwide precautions, restrictions and fear represent an over-reaction. Others say the opposite.

Denice Wharton is executive director of a nonprofit nursing school called the Ventura Training Institute. She sent an email to community leaders contending local protective and preventive measures need to be ramped up.

“We need to speak out now and talk about potential worst-case scenarios to our community and the general public,” she wrote. “If we do not and continue on this shush-shush course, this type of lack of communication and downplay of potential risk is, I think, ultimately the reason why this virus will spread and kill more people.”

More:From Holy Communion to fitness equipment, precautions taken in Ventura County to prevent coronavirus

In announcing the second coronavirus case, public health officials urged community members who are at higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19 to take actions including avoiding crowded settings and people who are sick. They should practice social distancing and also avoid contact such as shaking hands and hugs.

The higher risk group includes older adults, people with compromised immune systems and people with chronic conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer and lung disease.

All community members should take steps including:

Washing hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing, or having been in a public place.

Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.

Avoid close contact with people who are sick and stay away from large gatherings and crowds.

Tom Kisken covers health care and other news for the Ventura County Star. Reach him at tom.kisken@vcstar.com or 805-437-0255.

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