COVID-19 Update for SLO County

First Case of COVID-19 Reported in SLO County

Author: Public Health Department

Date: 3/14/2020 8:28:55 PM

The County of San Luis Obispo Public Health Department announced today that an individual in San Luis Obispo County tested positive for novel coronavirus (COVID-19). This is the first confirmed case in San Luis Obispo County.

Disclaimer: This information may be outdated. For the most recent guidance and case details, visit ReadySLO.org.

The County of San Luis Obispo Public Health Department announced today that an individual in San Luis Obispo County tested positive for novel coronavirus (COVID-19). This is the first confirmed case in San Luis Obispo County. The County increased local testing capacity earlier this week. As of today, over 100 tests for COVID-19 have been performed by the SLO Public Health Laboratory.

The individual is a North County resident, over the age of 65 with underlying health conditions who exhibited a fever, cough and shortness of breath. The individual is recovering in isolation at home until cleared by County Public Health.

County Public Health is currently investigating, but Health Officer Dr. Penny Borenstein believes this is likely a case of community transmission. The individual is assisting the Public Health Department in their investigation. Public Health is contacting those who had been in close contact with the individual in recent days to evaluate if testing and quarantine management is needed. Public Health will notify the public immediately should the investigation indicate further action and precautions are necessary. “We have expected to see cases of COVID-19 in our county and have been planning and preparing accordingly,” said Dr. Penny Borenstein. “We encourage the public to continue to practice recommended precautions to reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19.” Dr. Borenstein commends the individual and the physician for taking steps to reduce further transmission. The individual called their doctor’s office in advance and was instructed to stay in their car upon arrival and not enter the waiting room. The physician met the patient at the car to consult and collect a swab specimen. These are the recommended steps to limit further transmission to the public and to health care providers.

“Our top priority is the health and safety of our community,” Dr. Borenstein said. “We appreciate our local health care providers for continuing to be vigilant by monitoring patients to help us identify potential COVID-19 cases.”