News

Details Published: Wednesday, 18 March 2020 14:41

Ventura County Public Health has confirmed five new presumptive positive cases of 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). These cases have an unidentified source of exposure. They are considered community transmission cases. Public health is completing contact investigations. To date, Public Health has identified 1 positive case and 10 presumptive positive cases; of these, 5 cases are likely due to community transmission because they have an unidentified source of exposure. Cases are occurring across Ventura County, so all community members should be aware and practice social distancing.

The Ojai Valley News is providing all its reporting online about COVID-19 at no cost. If this information is valuable to you, please support local journalism and subscribe to your local news source. To subscribe, please call Ally at 805-646-1476 or or visit https://ojaivalleynews.com/contact-us/subscriptions . Thank you for your support!

The following is the case information to date:

• One confirmed positive case travel related.

• Two presumptive positive travel related.

• One presumptive positive person to person transmission (from a known presumptive positive spouse).

• Two presumptive positive cases under investigation.

• Five cases with an unidentified source of exposure. Considered community transmission.

Public Health is investigating these cases and has notified close contacts to assess and monitor them for signs and symptoms of illness. Those exposed and symptomatic have been advised to be tested. All confirmed cases are being isolated and close contacts are quarantined.

Community members with suspected COVID-19 symptoms should call their health care provider prior to arrival for a phone screening.

“We are seeing an increase in cases and evidence of community spread as more testing occurs,” said Ventura County Public Health Officer, Doctor Robert Levin. “Community members are encouraged to follow the orders that were enacted today. We must work together to prevent the spread of this disease. Each and every one of us, both businesses and residents, must do our part by practicing social distancing and taking common sense infection control precautions.”

The Ventura County Public Health Officer’s Order for the closure of certain businesses and social distancing can be found here and at www.vcemergency.com in English and Spanish. The order is to strengthen the steps the County of Ventura has already taken to protect our residents and particularly the most vulnerable in our population from COVID-19.

The Ventura County Public Health Department is working closely with Federal, State and local partners as this situation continues to evolve. Public Health is committed to keeping the community informed of all current information. Community members should visit www.vcemergency.com for up to date information. The 2-1-1 hotline is also available for questions. It is staffed 24/7 for questions about COVID-19.