Post Date: 03/06/2020 10:02 AM

Press Release

UPDATED April 21, 2020

Yolo County Reports First Confirmed Case of COVID-19

(Woodland, CA) – Public health experts at the Yolo County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) have received confirmation that a Yolo County resident has tested positive for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). This is the first case in Yolo County.



This individual is an older female with underlying health conditions. Correction: This individual is an adult female. She is currently hospitalized and is improving. From initial interviews, she acquired the disease through community transmission.



“Given the rapid spread of COVID-19 around the world, I am not surprised that the virus is in our county”, stated Yolo County Public Health Officer, Dr. Ron Chapman. “Unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation driving fear in our communities. We will continue to provide COVID-19 education, support, and advice to the community while using appropriate measures to protect the public’s health.”



Yolo County is prepared to manage this confirmed case and has been partnering with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the California Department of Public Health, local jurisdictions and health care providers. HHSA has already stepped up disease-tracking capabilities and staff are working with local healthcare providers to quickly identify potential cases. HHSA is following established disease investigation protocols to ensure that any affected persons and their close personal contacts are monitored as necessary. HHSA will continue to implement public health strategies, provide public and professional education, and collaborate with local and State partners to control the spread of COVID-19.



Yolo County has been continually evaluating the situation and will be issuing two proclamations, a local health emergency and a local emergency. The local health emergency proclamation may open additional resources while the local emergency proclamation may open funding, both will provide tools for the County to effectively manage the situation.



Yolo County will be hosting a media briefing at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, March 6 in the Thomson Room of the Bauer Building, located at 137 N. Cottonwood Street in Woodland. Speakers include Public Health Officer Dr. Ron Chapman and Office of Emergency Service Manager Dana Carey. Parking is free.



The CDC recommends individuals and families follow everyday preventive measures to limit the spread of respiratory diseases such as COVID-19:



• Stay home when you are sick with respiratory disease symptoms.

• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, then throw it in the trash can.

• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

• If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with 60% to 95% alcohol.

• Routinely clean frequently touched surfaces and objects.



”This is obviously a challenging situation which makes it all the more important to remain calm, practice the public health guidelines and rely only on factual information from trusted medical sources,” said Yolo County Board of Supervisors Chair Gary Sandy.



If you are concerned about your current health, you should contact your Primary Care Provider directly for additional guidance. People without health insurance can apply for Medi-Cal health care coverage by calling 1-866-226-5415. Healthy people do not need to use a face mask to protect themselves from respiratory illnesses like COVID-19.



Yolo County has established a dedicated voicemail for public inquiries about Coronavirus at (530) 666-8614, and will post important updates on its Coronavirus webpage at www.yolocounty.org/coronavirus.



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