San Luis Obispo County is reporting 13 positive cases of COVID-19 as of Thursday, March 19, at 3 p.m.

At a news briefing, County Administrative Officer Wade Horton said five of those cases are in the North County, five are in South County and three patients live along the coast.

County Health Officer Dr. Penny Borenstein said the 13 patients are recovering at home.

Officials say they expect to continue seeing the numbers of positive cases rise in the coming weeks.

The county has reportedly conducted 232 coronavirus tests to date.

Dr. Borenstein is encouraging people who believe they may be ill with COVID-19 to contact their doctor before visiting a physician's office.

A shelter-at-home order goes into effect for all of San Luis Obispo County starting at 5 p.m. on Thursday.

Only essential activities will be allowed during the 30-day period. Click here for a list of businesses that are considered essential and those that are considered non-essential.

The shelter-at-home order will be re-evaluated after two weeks.

